Boys & Girls Clubs of America & NFL Empower Teens to Create Positive Change: Five Stories from Across America

Just like on the football field, when it comes to making a positive impact, it’s all about teamwork. While each player brings their own unique strengths to the game, getting that victory only happens by working as a team.

The NFL’s Inspire Change platform also thrives on teamwork, encouraging young people to raise their voices and address social injustices in their communities. This mission is shared by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and together these two legacy organizations support the Think, Learn, Create Change (TLC) program at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

The TLC program provides Club youth of all ages with the opportunity to:

• Think critically about the issues that inspire them to act.
• Learn about the resources available to help them take action.
• Create change in their communities by developing and implementing actionable plans.

Mentorship also plays a key role in the TLC program. Boys & Girls Club staff take part in ongoing training to create safe spaces and guide open conversations, allowing teens to reflect on community issues and lead positive change.

What has come out of these conversations has been nothing short of amazing. Here are five stories from Boys & Girls Clubs about teens who took the “Think, Learn, Create Change” mentality to heart in their communities.

Amassing Food, Clothing & Awareness in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania’s Teen Outreach Program zeroed in on three critical issues impacting their community: teen mental health, violence and homelessness. To raise awareness of these concerns, they organized a Community Slam in Pittsburgh, PA which recognized local organizations on the frontlines of tackling these issues. Attendees brought non-perishable food and clothing items to gain entry to the event, enjoying a live DJ, face painting, photo booth and games. Local advocates also delivered impactful speeches on all three topics, including Will Allen, former Pittsburgh Steeler and founder of the Will Allen Foundation. The event was a success with Club teens collecting more than 125 pounds of food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and over 2,000 articles of clothing for a local shelter.

“After the Community Slam, I felt accomplished,” said Adia W., a Western Pennsylvania Boys & Girls Club member and event organizer. “We had been planning this event for six months and seeing people have fun and take home resources from community partner tables was inspiring. It motivated me to do more to help my community by making the Community Slam an annual event in Pittsburgh.”

Hosting a Teen Unity Prom in Southern Nevada

Mental health is also a major priority for teens in Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada’s Young J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Council. The Club organization offers youth mental health services, allowing kids and teens to meet regularly with a mental health professional to discuss their own experiences with mental health and address challenging stigmas. After noticing a connection between mental health stigmas and feelings of isolation, the members of J.E.D.I. decided to host a Unity Prom where all young people could feel included. They planned everything — from the event decorations and food to the music and activities — welcoming nearly 90 teens across ten Club locations. The celebration ended with J.E.D.I. members leading everyone in an inclusivity pledge and crowning a prom “monarch” in lieu of a “king” or “queen”.

“Chill Out Corners” & Environmental Clean-Ups in Seattle, Washington

To create more calming spaces for kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, members of the Teen Advisory Board set up “Chill Out Corners” at each of the Club’s locations. With oversized pillows, noise-cancelling headphones, meditation mats and more, these spaces support youth relaxation and mindfulness. The Club organization also hired a licensed youth therapist and increased staff training in mental health support, with teens sharing mental health resources from the Club’s social channels and advocating for more resources in Seattle schools. Environmental clean-ups are another big initiative at King County Clubs. Several times a year, as many as 100 kids and teens roll up their sleeves to keep their Clubs free of litter and debris. Club members also take pride in maintaining nearby parks and beaches with donated clean-up tools and supplies from local government officials.

Celebrating Diverse Identities & Traditions in Green Bay, Wisconsin

“Just because I have long hair, doesn’t mean that I am a girl.”
“Just because I’m Mexican, doesn’t mean that I work in a factory.”
“Just because I’m Black, doesn’t mean that I am a criminal.”

These are just some of the empowering statements made by Wisconsin teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay and Lakes Region in a video project they produced together. The video ends with the uplifting message, “We don’t have all the right answers, but let’s unite to make it better.” Teens at the Club also host Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Fridays, a weekly get-together that celebrates diverse cultures. These events embrace a different theme every month, such as Black History Month or Indigenous People’s Day, with young people learning about various traditions and preparing cultural meals. During Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month, Club kids and their families learned the history of piñatas and how to make pico de gallo. Both teen-led initiatives have helped to create unity and a sense of belonging in their community.

Leading a March for Peace in Metro Denver, Colorado

In response to increasing violence in their community, two teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver came together to organize a March for Peace. The teens took charge of the event from start to finish — mapping out the route, securing food and drinks, running a fitness carnival, promoting community participation, and creating custom t-shirts. Now in its third year, residents look forward to the event annually, with Club teens most recently recruiting Denver Broncos All-Pro Justin Simmons and other Broncos players to drive up hype for a family-friendly 5K walk/run in Denver’s Montbello neighborhood.

“Taking ownership of initiatives like March for Peace has been transformative for our teens,” says Lauren Kamm, vice president of marketing and communications at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. “The recognition they receive, including winning our community’s Change Maker Award, has really emphasized the impact of their work. It goes beyond our younger Club members who look up to them; their efforts resonate with the entire community, the NFL and people across the nation.”

Sometimes, young people’s view of the world may differ from adults, and this can be a major advantage when it comes to driving social change. Creating safe, inclusive places where kids and teens can be themselves, get along with their peers and bring awareness to the issues that matter to them most can go a long way.

“I’ve always been encouraged to give back and make a difference, no matter how small,” said Lyniah M., a Think, Learn, Create Change program participant at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. “I want to influence the world and make my mark in the greatest way possible. So, when opportunities to help others in my community present themselves, I jump at the chance.”

Learn more about how Boys & Girls Clubs of America empowers young people to become their own change agents and advocates, locally and nationwide.

About The NFL Foundation

The National Football League Foundation (NFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by the game of football — from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football and the communities that support our game. Through the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, Boys & Girls Clubs and the youth they serve across the country, convene community stakeholders, local government officials and police departments to learn more about social justice issues that impact the community. Learn more about the NFL’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Ignite the Potential of Tomorrow’s Leaders & Change-makers

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides caring adult mentors and life-shaping programs to millions of kids and teens each year. In safe, inclusive places, youth build the skills and resilience to thrive in school, the workplace and in life. Join us on our mission of helping all young people reach their full potential: