Revising and Extending Boys and Girls Clubs of America

REVISING AND EXTENDING BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 30, 2004)

Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Boys and Girls Club of America and to support extending their Charter to meet future goals. As the saying goes, to the world you may be one person. But to one person, you may be their entire world. I think this applies especially to all of the good people involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

To me and to millions of children, Boys and Girls Clubs are not just buildings. These clubs are not just places where kids meet other kids. These clubs are the bedrock foundation for a number of young people who face an otherwise rapidly changing, and sometimes unstable, world.

These clubs are a point of stability, an area where young people learn responsibility. These clubs are places where boys and girls learn about teamwork, leadership, and values.

Back in 1860, several women in Hartford, Connecticut believed that boys roaming the street should have a positive alternative. They formed what would become the first Boys Club. In 1906, Boys Clubs started to affiliate and by 1956, the Boys Club of America received a Congressional Charter. Reflecting the times, Girls were added to the official name of the organization and its Charter in 1990.

But Boys and Girls Clubs are more than their history; these clubs are their volunteers, the people who operate these clubs, and the club sponsors. Each individual's contribution is reflected in the success and longevity of this organization. One of the issues I follow closely, support, and promote every chance I get is mentoring. I think this falls directly in line with what the Boys and Girls Club is all about.

Some of my friends might remember a discussion I began several years ago concerning "problems of the soul." My focus was the erosion of moral values in our country and what we might do on a personal level, a community level, and even on a governmental level, to reverse the decline.

Much has occurred in the years since I began talking about problems of the soul. Much of what has happened is positive. Our nation places high value and respect on the family. We are a nation that rushes to the aid of those in need. The people of this country hold in reverence those who sacrifice their work, time with family, even their life for their country.

Despite the best of efforts, long-established vices continue to claw at our society. Plus, our world faces an even deeper evil, one rooted in radical extremism, one that finds its way to our society through terrorism. So clearly, there is still a need to focus on problems of the soul, and a need to find role models willing to give of their time and resources so that our young people have the opportunity to grow, learn, and accept responsibility.

Mentoring is a very worthwhile and much needed cause. Mentors serve as a guiding light, a benchmark, and a valuable asset for the many young people in America who might not otherwise have access to such a role model.

For many young people, mentors set an example of civility and stability. Mentors promote education and community respect. Mentors teach young people that there are benefits to contributing to selfless efforts such as charity drives, neighborhood cleanups, and serving in soup kitchens.

As a mentor, I personally know the satisfaction it brings to offer advice and guidance to a young person. I have known my mentee, Derek Williams for many years. Over that period we have become good friends. Today I am proud to say that he is in college, furthering his education, and building a strong foundation for his future.

There are numerous studies documenting that mentors help young people to augment social skills, enhance emotional well-being, improve cognitive skills, and to plan for the future. It also recognizes that for some children, having a caring adult mentor to turn to for guidance and encouragement can make the crucial difference between success and failure in life.

So it is incumbent on each and every one of us to offer our time and energy and love to children to provide positive role models and influences to young people to give them guidance and hope.

Currently, 17.6 million young people, nearly half the youth population, want or need mentors to help them reach their full potential. Only two-and-a-half million youth are in formal mentoring relationships, leaving 15 million young people still in need of mentors.

Earlier this year I asked Congress to adopt a resolution designating January 2004 as National Mentoring Month. My hope was that this month-long celebration of mentoring would encourage more adults to volunteer their time as mentors for young people and enlist the involvement of nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and government agencies in the mentoring movement. I think that effort was successful, but we have more to do.

The Boys and Girls Clubs are to be congratulated for working to make a positive difference in our society.