[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        93RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
national Federated Boys Clubs, known today as the Boys and Girls Club 
of America.
  Although the Boys Clubs were not organized nationally until 1906, 
origins of the club can be traced as far back as the mid-1800s. As 
early as 1853, a Club-like facility was established in New York City 
for the purpose of lodging newsboys. However, the first Boys Club, as 
we know it today, wasn't established until 1860. The Dashaway Club in 
Hartford, Connecticut is recognized as the first known Boys Club, which 
provided afterschool activities for children from disadvantaged homes.
  Soon the idea of a shelter for youth to spend time during non-school 
hours caught on. These clubs offered a safe place for children to 
congregate and stay out of trouble. Rapidly, Boys Clubs sprouted up 
around the country. In the early years, the clubs were concentrated 
mostly in New England. By 1906, 53 separate Boys Clubs were in 
existence. It was decided that these clubs should somehow work 
collectively. On May 13, 1906, a group of businessmen and Boys Clubs 
representatives met to discuss the idea of a national federation. Thus, 
the Boys Clubs of America was born.
  Although the clubs continue to operate autonomously, the national 
organization provides staff recruitment and training, program research, 
facility construction, fundraising, and marketing. In addition, the 
national club addresses legislative and public policy issues affecting 
young people. In 1956, the Boys Club celebrated its 50th anniversary 
and received a U.S. Congressional Charter. As more and more clubs were 
formed, the organization grew and began serving girls as well as boys. 
In 1990, the name was officially changed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of 
America. Today, there are over 2,200 clubs operating nationwide, 
serving over three million children. Minnesota is proud to be home to 
21 Boys and Girls Clubs, serving 33,456 children.
  The Boys and Girls Clubs provides hope, inspiration, and the 
opportunity for children to realize their full potential as citizens. 
These clubs provide guidance, support, and leadership, while 
encouraging youth to abstain from drugs and alcohol, strive for 
scholastic achievement, become involved in community service, develop 
personal talents such as music or art, and explore career 
opportunities. Dedicated volunteers have helped the Boys and Girls 
Clubs of America become a success.
  Mr. President, on the 93rd anniversary of its founding, I applaud the 
hard work and dedication of the men, women and youth who have 
contributed to the success of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 
Through their persistence and encouragement, youth across the country 
have benefitted greatly.

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