Join the February Plank It Forward Challenge

Research shows that most people give up on their New Year’s goals by January 19 (source). Inspired by Boys & Girls Club members who face more adversity than most and keep going, our Plank It Forward Facebook Challenge will help you stay motivated to achieve your 2022 goals while helping Club kids reach theirs. To complete the challenge, you must register for the challenge and hold a plank for 89 seconds every day in February. 

Why 89 seconds? 89% of kids who attend the Boys & Girls Club say they don’t give up when things are really hard. Funds raised through the challenge will provide critical meals, mentors and meaningful life experiences to make great futures possible for more kids who need us most.

How to Get Started

• Step 1: Join the Plank It Forward Challenge group on Facebook. 
• Step 2: Once you’re in the group, you’ll receive a link to register. Complete the form and create your Facebook fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 
• Step 3: Starting on February 1, hold a plank for 89 seconds every day in February (short month, you’re welcome! ). 
• Step 4: Ask your friends and family to support you with a donation. When you receive your first donation, we’ll send you a FREE Always Forward beanie.
• Step 5: Share your experience on social media for extra support from challenge members and the Boys & Girls Club throughout the month.

Plank It Forward Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Plank It Forward Challenge?

Plank It Forward is a Facebook Challenge hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help you stay motivated to achieve your 2022 goals while helping Club kids reach theirs. Participants must register for the event and hold a plank for 89 seconds every day in February to complete the challenge. Participants will receive a free Always Forward beanie when they create a Facebook fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and get their first donation. Funds raised will help Clubs do whatever it takes to ensure every young person can exceed beyond the circumstances surrounding them — providing meals, positive adult influences, homework help and life-shaping opportunities to make great futures possible.

Why 89 seconds?

89% of kids who attend the Boys & Girls Club say they don’t give up when things are really hard. Inspired by Club kids who face more adversity than most and keep going, you can move your goals forward while helping them achieve theirs. Funds raised through the challenge provide critical meals, mentors and meaningful life experiences to make great futures possible for more kids who need us most.
 
What if I can’t hold a plank for 89 seconds? 

That’s OK! Everyone is welcome to participate in this challenge regardless of their current fitness level or ability. The most important part is continuing to show up and not give up. 

We encourage you to work your way up to the full 89 seconds. Break the time into 10- or 30-second increments with rest in between, or drop to your knees. Other modifications include leaning against a wall or table. Check out this quick guide from our friends at Planet Fitness to see how to hold a plank properly.

What is a plank? 

Great question! Check out this resource for a refresher. 

How do I get my free beanie? 

Once you join the Plank It Forward Challenge group on Facebook, you’ll receive a link to register. Complete the form and create your Facebook fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We’ll send you a free Always Forward beanie as soon as your Facebook Fundraiser is live and you’ve received your first donation.

When will I receive my beanie? 

Beanies are shipped within two weeks of when you receive your first Facebook Fundraiser donation.

Can I start before or after February 1? 

Planking it forward is a team effort, so the accountability and encouragement you’ll receive from the challenge Facebook group will be most impactful if we all start at the same time. 

If you’re itching to start early, we recommend using the days leading up to February 1 to warm up and/or begin building up to the 89-second goal.

We believe the more, the merrier when it comes to sticking to our goals and supporting Club kids. While you can start the challenge late, try to make up the time you’ve missed on subsequent days or ask fellow participants to assist you in covering some of your missed time. After all, every second counts for kids who need us most.

What happens if I forget to hold my plank one day? 

Don’t sweat it (no pun intended). You won’t be penalized for missing a day. But remember: this challenge is designed to push your limits, so we encourage you to try to make up for those missed plank seconds by tacking a few extras on to other days. 

How do I create a Facebook Fundraiser? 

It’s SO easy — we promise. Click here to set up your fundraiser with one click. 

What if I don’t have a Facebook account? 

If you’d like to participate in the Plank It Forward Challenge but don’t have a Facebook account, please email challenge@bgca.org. 

What is the Boys & Girls Club? 

For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a typical year, more than 4,700 Clubs serve 4.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country and serve military families in affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. 

How do the funds I raise make a difference? 

Every donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America helps provide a safe place for kids in communities across the country where they can access meals and snacks, help with schoolwork, positive adult influences and access to opportunities that may not otherwise be possible to ensure a great future. 

Is my donation tax-deductible? 

Yes. Donations through Facebook are 100% tax-deductible. You will receive a donation receipt via email to the address associated with your Facebook account. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.