Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Allstate Foundation Launch ''Valuing Differences'' Gang Prevention Program.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Addressing Continued Spread of Gang Violence Nationwide, New Program Integrates Diversity Education Into Fight Against Gangs

Young people inherently seek acceptance, making them particularly susceptible to the inclusive "family atmosphere" gangs present. Gangs use intolerance of "others" as a tool to recruit new members. Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and The Allstate Foundation have responded by launching Valuing Differences, a new gang-resistance component within BGCA's successful Street SMART gang-prevention program. Valuing Differences will be piloted at 10 Boys & Girls Clubs beginning this spring.

Criminologists and sociologists agree that gangs thrive by creating divisions within the larger community. Valuing Difference's nine-lesson interactive curriculum is based on the understanding that acceptance of cultural diversity requires kids to recognize and respect their own identity, as well as that of others, which may be very different.

By teaching young people to value individuality via diversity, tolerance and inclusion education, Valuing Differences enables youth to avoid conflict and resolve differences, while also identifying positive options and behaviors to better their future.

Gangs By The Numbers (National Youth Gang Center)

--More than 21,500 individual gangs existed in 2,300 American Cities in 2002.

--It is estimated there are 731,500 youth-gang members nationwide.

--Little reduction in gang activity is expected in the next few years.

"Focusing on lessons of tolerance, inclusion and diversity will give Club members the skills and confidence needed to resist the 'safe' and 'inclusive' atmosphere gangs present to entice new members," said Frank Sanchez, senior director, Delinquency Prevention, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Street SMART is a year-round gang intervention curriculum:

--Educates pre-adolescents (ages 11-13) about the destructive lifestyle of gangs, avoiding conflict and developing resistance and refusal skills.

--Pre- and post-tests measure knowledge and attitudes toward gangs before and after the Street SMART initiative.

--Gives kids the tools needed to become positive peer leaders in their communities.

"The 10-city pilot of Valuing Differences is a positive, first-step in the prevention of gang violence through The Allstate Foundation's long-term partnership with BGCA," states Ron McNeil, Midwest Region board member, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and senior vice president, Allstate Insurance Company. "Our support of programs like Street SMART reinforces Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities by offering today's children - tomorrow's leaders - the tools they need to avoid gang violence and behavior by encouraging healthier and safer options."

Boys & Girls Clubs organizations piloting the new diversity initiative will include:

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Maryland (Baltimore)

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)

--Spartico Malara Boys & Girls Clubs of Utica

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (Orlando)

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Raleigh

--Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus

--Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area 

After members complete the Valuing Differences program, each Club will host a community-wide event to demonstrate an understanding of the lessons learned.

"We know kids are safe when they are in our Clubs. A big concern is what happens to them on their way to and from our facility," said Sanchez. "This program helps our members become street smart. That means avoiding gangs and resolving disputes with words instead of guns, and leading their peers to do the same."

The Street SMART program was developed in 1997 as a result of a grant from The Allstate Foundation.

The Allstate Foundation

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream. For more information about The Allstate Foundation, please visit www.allstate.com\foundation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For almost a century, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has been recognized as community-based organizations that welcomes all youth, regardless of their race, religion or gender. BGCA (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 3,400 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than four million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

Note to Editor: Program photography is available upon request