On March 5-7, nearly 300 advocates from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to discuss the issues impacting kids and teens in America. The gathering marked Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 10th annual National Days of Advocacy.
This year, two Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) Youth of the Year, Miles P. and Marquis H., joined BGMCA President & CEO David Jernigan, Chief Programs & Operations Officer Terri Fishback, and Sr. Director of Grants & Government Relations Zoe Burgess for the trip to Capitol Hill. Miles is a member of the East DeKalb Club and represented Camp Kiwanis as its 2023 Youth of the Year. Marquis is a Lawrenceville Club member and 2023 Youth of the Year.
“We had an exciting week advocating for youth across America and right here in Georgia,” Fishback said. “The highlight was accompanying two of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year on their first trip to Washington, D.C. They shared their inspiring stories of Club impact with members of Congress and did so with such authenticity, poise, and courage. It’s amazing to see our youth stepping up and making their voices heard.”
National Days of Advocacy serves as an opportunity for Boys & Girls Clubs to build awareness and garner support for our mission. This event provides a chance for Club leaders and members to meet directly with their elected officials to talk about the critical issues impacting kids and their community and the role Clubs play in the lives of kids and their futures.
In addition to advocacy efforts, Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized four members of Congress with the prestigious 2024 Champion of Youth award. The recipients of the award, Sen. Katie Britt (AL), Sen. Patty Murray (WA), Rep. Carol Miller (WV), and our very own Rep. Nikema Williams (GA) for their dedicated work on behalf of youth nationwide. Additionally, retiring Sen. Tom Carper (DE) was bestowed with the esteemed 2024 Lifetime Hero Award, celebrating his longtime commitment and history of working with Boys & Girls Clubs to achieve great futures for youth everywhere.
“I am grateful to our congressmen, congresswomen, and staff who took the time to hear from our youth,” Jernigan said. “Shoutout to Nikema Williams for being named a BGCMA Champion for Youth. Lucy McBath was so gracious with her time and was truly focused on our teens’ stories. I continue to be grateful that BGCA enjoys strong bipartisan support.”
Launched in 2014, National Days of Advocacy empowers Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide to elevate youth issues and create more opportunities for the kids and teens in their communities. Previous events have resulted in Club visits with the President, meaningful collaborations with key decision-makers, and contributions that have played a pivotal role in shaping policy. To learn more or get involved, visit bgca.org.