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 News Articles2009 Youth for Unity Gold Award RecipientBoys & Girls Clubs of America awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve with the Midwest Region, 2009 Youth for Unity Leadership Gold Award for their recent diversity project. This is the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve 3RD award in the last three years. In 2008 the Clubs were the recipient of the Silver Award, and in 2007 the Clubs received the Gold Award.
As part of the recognition, the Boys & Girls Clubs were granted $3,000 from the Allstate Foundation. The youth led project titled, “This is who I am. This is who you are. Does it really matter?” is a creative photobook created by the members with their own photography taken while participating in Image Makers, a digital photography program. The photobook, and the project, captured the importance of embracing diversity of all club members.
The main objective was to create a sense of self-awareness and provide members with a tool that allowed them to express themselves freely and comfortably. The project started with several members of Image Makers having discussions about different topics on photography. During the sessions, the advisor encouraged members to think about diversity to jumpstart discussion. Through the discussions, members were able to have an open and intense dialogue about topics such as racism, sexism, and ethnic backgrounds. After a few meetings and additional forums, the group came to the consensus that a person should not be judged based on superficial things such as appearance, sex, religion or where they come from; rather they should consider each individuals inner beauty and personality.
Soon after, “This is who I am. This is who you are. Does it really matter?” became a work in progress. Using the new skills and insight from previous discussions, the group of eleven members agreed that the best way to express their feelings was to create a book in Image Makers and photograph each other holding signs stating different facts or interest about each of them. For example, some of the signs said; “I am a boy.” “I am Muslim.” “I am short.” “I am able.” Beneath each picture, members wrote inspirational quotes. At the end of the book each member added a statement on how they want the world to change, and how education and diversity awareness will make the world a much better place.
The photobook project opened the eyes of all the Club members. Even though many of the members are from the same neighborhoods and similar racial backgrounds, diversity among the members went far beyond face value. In a safe and supportive environment, members were able to see how they were different from each other, and in some ways how they were similar. The project, “This is who I am. This is who you are. Does it really matter?” not only allowed members to learn from their peers, but it helped members become more open minded and more conscious of the things which they judge others.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve is a builder of kid’s dreams, a safe haven for at-risk children where caring professional adults help youngsters develop positive self-esteem and help them reach their full potential. Life-enhancing programs that stress character and leadership development, sports, fitness and recreation, technology, arts and educational experiences are offered through after-school and summer programs that reach over 1,000 at-risk youth each year. Here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, the talented group of Youth Development Specialists and Unit Directors not only inspires but they provide a place where members are free to imagine and free to dream.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, please call 330-773-3375.
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