[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1755]]
         REVISING AND EXTENDING BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

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                               speech of

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 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.

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