Kids Believe Diversity Makes America Stronger, Correlate Ethnic and Religious Background To Financial Success.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Allstate Foundation Further Diversity Initiative And Introduce New Diversity Curriculum to Club-Member Parents

Only one out of five kids today believe Americans are very accepting of all racial/ethnic and religious groups, according to a new youth survey conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Allstate Foundation. While a majority of respondents (64 percent) agree that a diverse population makes America stronger, a notable consensus (47 percent) still believe that ethnic-religious background is the main factor in achieving financial success.

Fall 2005 Youth-Diversity Survey Conclusions:

--Tolerance in America: Forty-one percent polled perceive that U.S. citizens are only somewhat accepting of all racial/ethnic and religious groups. Twenty-one percent felt people were very accepting.

--Girls versus Boys: Girls are more comfortable than boys around people from other racial, ethnic or religious groups (55 percent versus 44 percent).

--Kids versus Parents: The vast majority of youth surveyed have friends from other ethnic/religious groups (84 percent). Sixty-four percent of the same respondents noted their parents have friends with different racial/ethnic backgrounds, and 58 percent of respondents' parents have friends with different religious beliefs.

--Dating: Sixty-six percent indicated they would date someone from a background different from their own however less than half (46 percent) thought their parents would be accepting of their dating someone from a racial/ethnic or religious group different from their own.

--Mixed Families, Mixed Perceptions: Approximately 25 percent of total respondents (228 youth) indicated their parents are from two different religious and/or ethnic backgrounds. Of those, 80 percent said they themselves would date someone from a different religious and/or ethnic background. However, one in three (34 percent) didn't think, or didn't know, if their parents would approve. This data may imply that "leading by example" is not enough and even parents who "live" a lifestyle open to diversity need to engage in active dialogue with their children to align perceptions.

"This poll suggests that our society is in real transition," says Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Minority groups continue to drive population growth in the U.S., so kids today see a different 'America' than mom and dad. The time to teach tolerance to our youth is now so that as adults, they can thrive in an increasingly complex America."

Now Piloting: Youth for Unity

To address the diversity "generation gap" illustrated by these survey findings, BGCA and The Allstate Foundation are now piloting a new diversity curriculum that invites kids and parents to confront their own biases. The curriculum, called "Youth for Unity," was first introduced to youth (ages 6-18) at 15 Clubs in 2004, followed by a formal program-pilot evaluation. The second phase of field-testing involves 30 Clubs across the country through December 2005.

Parents play a critical role in helping their children develop positive attitudes about inclusion, re-emphasizing the lessons learned in school or programs like "Youth for Unity." To further guide parents and caregivers in adopting consistent non-bias behaviors at home, 15 of the 30 Boys & Girls Club pilot sites are testing a new parent curriculum. The remaining 15 pilot locations are focusing on the youth component.

"Youth for Unity" is a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that is building the capacity of local Clubs to help more than four million young members nationwide to appreciate their own heritage while embracing the unique background of others. The program, which will be available to Clubs across the country in 2006, is designed to help children, teens and caregivers:

--Appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals;

--Understand society's diversity;

--Recognize bias and unfairness; and

--Take personal leadership in confronting bias.

"By removing barriers and providing an opportunity for America's youth to experience other cultures and their own on a more intimate level, our society will be well positioned to draw on the strengths of our diverse community," says Ron McNeil, Board of Trustees, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and senior vice president, Allstate Insurance Company.

The "Youth for Unity" program is part of a larger Boys & Girls Clubs of America diversity initiative funded by a $4.5 million commitment from The Allstate Foundation.

The online survey, which consisted of more than 900 Boys & Girls Clubs of America members ages 6-18, was conducted in August 2005 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Allstate 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.

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.