At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire and enable youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Every day, we work to create safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment. But we cannot do it alone. It takes a community to CHANGE LIVES.
That’s why our upcoming event, An Evening of Changing Lives, is so important. It’s more than just a night to celebrate our impact—it’s a chance for our community to come together and make a difference in the lives of San Diego’s youth. By supporting this event, you are directly contributing to brighter futures for the young people we serve, helping them overcome barriers, unlock their potential, and build a better tomorrow.
Why Get Involved?
San Diego’s youth face significant challenges, including academic struggles, mental health issues, and limited access to quality after-school programs. According to recent statistics, over 12% of San Diego County children live in poverty. Without access to resources and support, many of these children risk falling through the cracks.
By getting involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, you can help us change that. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or raising awareness, every effort helps ensure that more children have the opportunities they deserve.
Here are just a few ways you can make an impact:
- Explore our impact and financials to see firsthand how your contributions make a difference in the lives of San Diego’s youth. Learn more here: Our Impact Page.
- Employer gift matching: Double your impact by checking if your employer offers a matching gift program! Find out more here: Employer Matching.
- Join our Inner Circle: By joining our monthly giving program, you can be part of a group of dedicated supporters who make an ongoing difference in the lives of youth. Learn more here: Monthly Giving.
Parents and Guardians: How You Can Help Your Youth
Parents and guardians play a vital role in shaping the future of our children. In addition to the programs we provide, here are a few tips for helping youth thrive:
- Encourage open communication: Creating a safe space for kids to express themselves can help improve their mental and emotional well-being.
- Promote healthy social media habits: Social media can have a profound impact on youth. Be sure to monitor screen time and discuss the importance of online safety.
- Get involved in their education: Help kids stay on track academically by checking in on their schoolwork and celebrating their achievements.
Important Social Media Changes for Youth
Recently, Instagram introduced new regulations aimed at protecting younger users. Here’s what parents and guardians need to know:
- Age Verification: Instagram now requires stricter age verification for new users.
- Private by Default: Accounts for users under 16 will be set to private by default, limiting who can see their content.
- Restricted Direct Messaging: Adults can no longer send messages to users under 18 unless they are following each other.
- Sensitive Content Controls: Instagram offers new controls that limit the exposure of sensitive content to younger users.
By staying informed about these changes and talking to your children about their online experiences, you can help ensure they are using social media in a safe and positive way.
Get Involved
There are so many different ways to get involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or learn more about the needs of our community, we welcome you to visit us at www.sdyouth.org to find out how you can help change the lives of San Diego’s youth.
Together, we can continue CHANGING LIVES. Your involvement, whether big or small, has the power to make a lasting impact.