HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-4612

HR 4612

ByRepresentatives Eslick, Ryu, Pollet, Valdez, Thai, Taylor, Lovick, Senn, Abbarno, Barkis, Boehnke, Caldier, Chambers, Chandler, Chase, Corry, Dent, Dufault, Dye, Gilday, Goehner, Graham, Griffey, Harris, Hoff, Jacobsen, Klicker, Klippert, Kraft, Kretz, MacEwen, Maycumber, McCaslin, McEntire, Mosbrucker, Orcutt, Robertson, Rude, Schmick, Steele, Stokesbary, Sutherland, Vick, Volz, Walsh, Wilcox, Ybarra, Young, Dolan, Shewmake, Wicks, Duerr, Sells, Leavitt, Paul, Rule, and Slatter

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs in Washington state serve more than 76,000 kids and teens annually; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Boys and Girls Clubs in Washington state is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs work to ensure each member reaches three priority outcomes: Succeed academically, graduation from high school ready for college, trade school, military service, or full-time employment; demonstrate good character and citizenship, engage in their communities, register to vote, and model strong character; and commit to healthy lifestyles, adopting a healthy diet, practicing healthy lifestyle choices, and making a lifelong commitment to fitness; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs provide leadership opportunities to over 300 student leaders annually through the Youth of the Year program, and Keystone Summit; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs in Washington state have mentored and supported three National Youth of the Year winners: Dr. Tony Agtarap, Dr. Liberty Franklin, and Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Cornell, all representing the greatness of Washington's youth on the national stage; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs serve an additional 50,000 youth through community outreach, including sports leagues, leadership development summits, juvenile rehabilitation engagement, STEM, and other enrichment events; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs in Washington led other clubs across the country in remaining open and accessible to youth and families when it was needed most during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Club organizations stepped in immediately to fill gaps for communities, including serving more than 400,000 snacks and meals in the first four months of the crisis; and

WHEREAS, When schools closed a year ago, clubs became learning centers for children overnight and staff went from planning activities to teaching algebra and the ABCs; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Club staff are unsung heroes to countless families and communities across Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs continue to provide remote learning hubs, child care supports, academic tutoring and assistance with in-person and virtual, social-emotional learning opportunities, and important connections with caring, supportive adults; and

WHEREAS, Boys and Girls Clubs have been in Washington state for more than 80 years serving communities large and small;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Washington for their outstanding commitment to children, teens, and families, and commend the efforts of over 1,400 staff in more than 150 Club locations for ensuring that young people have a safe, fun, and positive place to go, especially during times of crisis.