NFL Inspire Change

Through Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s partnership with the NFL Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs across the country convene community stakeholders, local government officials and police departments to learn more about social justice issues that impact local communities.

Examples of Social Justice Issues

As part of the NFL Inspire Change platform, youth are encouraged to bring their voices to the table. Over the summer, Clubs submitted videos discussing what issues have affected their communities with the hope to bring awareness and change to these problems. Their video submissions highlight the areas where Club youth are committed to inspiring change:

  • Police reform

  • Eliminating racism

  • Gender equality

  • Preventing teen dating violence

  • Justice, equality, diversity & inclusion

  • LGBTQIA+ advocacy

  • Women's reproductive rights

  • Education reform

  • Gun violence

  • Voting rights

To increase the awareness of these issues, three Clubs were awarded a $10,000 grant to explore these issues in more detail by creating a 15-minute video. Be sure to follow Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channel. Learn more about how youth engage in advocacy projects, video contests and more through our virtual learning platforms.

Take a Look at Our Clubs at Work


Gender Equality is a Priority at Anderson BGC

Gender inequality impacts me by me not being able to do certain things because I’m a girl, such as if I wear certain clothes, act a certain way, or play a certain sport,” said one Club member from the James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. At Anderson BGC, teens have done the research about the inequality that exists for men and women as it relates to topics such as sports, careers, and attire. Their goal is to bring awareness to these issues through various fictional reenactments that youth in their community face every day.

BGC of Greater St. Louis: Police Reform

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, one issue that Club members feel very strongly about is police reform and the Black Lives Matter movement. Club member Layla Green mentions that this issue hits home because a majority of Club members in St. Louis are Black or of African American descent and this issue affects them all, as “sometimes this can be someone’s brother this could be someone’s mother, sister, cousin, anyone.” Their goal is to bring more awareness by doing a town hall with Ferguson police and other community members to discuss this matter along with other pressing issues within the community.

JEB Little Creek Fort Story Youth Center: Teen Dating Violence

For the teens at JEB Little Creek – Fort Story, their focus is on prevention of teen dating violence – including abuse (physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and digital) in teen relationships. Their teen program is working hard to find solutions, including hosting in-depth and candid “teen talks” where counselors, parents and teens talk about respect, consent, and boundaries. As Octavia Y. from the Club explains, “If we start now as teens standing up against domestic violence, we are one step closer to reducing the statistics when we become adults.” 

Resources

Youth for change road map

Learn more about the Youth for change roadmap!

Resources

Three steps to becoming a youth advocate

Learn the three steps you need to take to become a youth advocate!

Resources

NFL's Inspire Change

Addressing barriers to opportunity and equality for communities at large