Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Celebrates Great Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, CA June 29, 2022 Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Prepares to Hold Active Threat Training for Staff Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County (BGCSWC) located in Riverside County announced today that they will be holding an active threat training this week for members of their staff and board of directors. They are dedicated to promoting a culture of safety to create a positive, safe environment for their staff, members, and volunteers. In partnership with Michael Julian, CEO of A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program and MPS Security, and also a Board Member for BGCSWC, an active threat training will be held to increase awareness of its team members around the subject of safety. This will be the third A.L.I.V.E. training BGCSWC staff have participated in with Julian. The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival training program helps to prepare for the unimaginable by protecting and empowering participants by making them aware of what to do in the event of an active shooter. About Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County has served the youth in our community for over 30 years. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community. A locally governed and funded 501(c)3 organization, the Club provides programs for more than 1,089 youth, ages 6-17, helping them develop these skills: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County or to learn more about the Before & After School, Day Camp, and Transportation programs they offer visit https://www.bgcswc.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is a recipient of Inland Southern California United Ways Coalition COVID-19 Relief Fund. These funds are being distributed by a partnership of United Ways in the Inland Southern California region including Arrowhead United Way, Inland Empire United Way, Corona-Norco United Way, United Way of the Desert, and United Way of the Inland Valleys. We are proud to work together to improve the lives and futures of children and families in need in our community.

At the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, we take a stand for the future of America’s children. We stand against racism and discrimination. We stand for safety, health, dignity and equitable opportunity. Boys & Girls Clubs have always been at the forefront of change, and we are long overdue for change in this country. As a nation, we can and must demand change to ensure these basic rights for black and all people of color facing systematic prejudices. The future of our nation rests in the hands of our young kids and teens – young people who are watching the news and their social media feeds, overhearing their parents’ conversations, worrying for their world and coming to our Club with concern in their eyes. With racist acts and national civil unrest combining with a global pandemic, our Club members – especially black children and teens – need us. Our Club members – especially young people of color – need to be heard. And they need leadership from trusted voices. They need to hear that we will fight to ensure the great futures they deserve. That they deserve to dream. That they deserve love. And that they deserve to be safe – not just at the Club, but everywhere. We continue to do Whatever It Takes for the future of our youth in this great community that we serve. STAND WITH US!

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we know the future of our nation rests in the hands of our young kids and teens. Young people, especially young people of color, need trusted voices who will stand against racism and discrimination and for their safety and dignity. They also need to be heard. Alongside Boys & Girls Clubs’ trained youth development professionals, youth advocates, educators and parents are critical for opening dialogue with teens that addresses racism, especially during times of heightened social division. According to an upcoming publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics, racism and discrimination are “adverse childhood experiences” that undermine development and well-being. Experiences of racism can influence self-esteem, deviant behavior, classroom behavior regulation and perceived discrimination. Courageous conversations that recognize and acknowledge injustices are one way to help teens counter negative physical, emotional and social effects, according to the report. How can you create safe spaces that foster conversation about racism? Before leading teens in discussion, adults should seek a deep understanding of the challenges and spend time in self-reflection to explore how they have been affected by racism. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following practices for supporting youth that integrate trauma-sensitive care, health equity and positive youth development. Teach children about race and ethnicity. Self-identity is a key developmental aspect of adolescence. When families talk about and celebrate their heritage and culture, prepare their teens to succeed in a racialized world, and emphasize diversity and inclusion, youth tend to experience increased self-esteem and academic performance while decreasing behavioral problems and depressive symptoms. Start open-ended dialogue. Refrain from making assumptions about negative experiences and imposing your own worldview. Instead, focus on strengths, coping and resilience. When possible, include people who have shared experiences with the teens as well as allies. Get to know youth, their identities and their experiences. Ask genuine questions that demonstrate you care. Questions about identity and experiences of racism may be broad or more direct but should allow youth to describe what’s important to them. Validate their feelings and responses to racism. Allow teens to name the situation or issue. You may respond by saying, “I appreciate you sharing how that felt for you. It hurts. I find it difficult to even hear about it, let alone experience it.” Allow them to cope. Be present to teens and assess whether their coping strategies are effective. Some questions you could ask include, “How did you think or feel while this was happening or watching? How do you deal with these thoughts and feelings?” and “What has helped you deal with the experiences and stay above the negativity?” You can also share your experiences and how you coped with them. Heal through creative self-expression. Telling one’s story can be a powerful healing mechanism. Teens can record videos telling about their experience, create an illustration, comic or storyboard of the encounter, take selfies that convey their thoughts and feelings, or perform spoken word or song. Form communities. Affinity groups and positive relationships are important for youth to affirm their identity and turn to for support. Ask youth if they would like to connect with a community and then help make it happen. Minimize self-blame. Help youth reflect on their feelings so they avoid doubting or questioning their value and self-worth. To help affirm their value, strength and potential, you could say, “You know how we speak to ourselves. We speak to ourselves in ways that lift ourselves up or put ourselves down. Reflect on the ways you speak to yourself. It is important that you stay alert and be watchful of the ways you speak to yourself. My wish for you is that you make your own truth by embracing yourself and loving the unique strengths that you have.” Help youth be advocates. The greatest mechanism for healing is allowing youth to see themselves as cocreators of a better system. Encourage youth to focus on their hopes and dreams, get involved and act. You could suggest that they create change by educating others, advocating for legislation, demonstrating, raising money, engaging in community service and getting the press involved. Authors of the report concluded with a call to action for youth advocates: “We belong to each other. Together, regardless of race and beyond race, we must want what is right for each other, aspire for better, and work for greater if we are to leave the generations of youth that will come after us a just and equitable society—all while caring for each other.” Reaching Teens, 2nd Edition: Strength-Based, Trauma-Sensitive, Resilience-Building Communication Strategies Rooted in Positive Youth Development will be released by the American Academy of Pediatrics on June 15. Boys & Girls Clubs of America contributed to several chapters of the publication. Learn more about the practices recommended above in a select chapter from Reaching Teens.

Riverside County NEWS RELEASE Contact: Riverside County Joint Information Center (951) 955-5087 Riverside County health officials are encouraging young people to get tested for coronavirus because it is believed the group has been underrepresented in testing so far. More than 71,000 people have been tested in Riverside County – at county- and state-run testing sites, clinics, hospitals and private facilities – and health officials say it is important that all segments of the population get tested to help determine the spread of coronavirus in the community. While adults have been well represented in testing, officials said they would like more of those 25 and younger to get screened. According to census data, those 18 and under make up about 25 percent of Riverside County’s population, but that group has made up only 6.6 percent of the testing appointments at the county’s coronavirus testing sites. “We would like to get a more complete picture of the illness as it has spread among young people,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of public health for Riverside County. “This will helps us better understand who in the community has the disease and how it might be moving among children and families.” The county currently operates four drive up testing sites – Indio, Perris, Riverside and Lake Elsinore – and those who want to be screened do not have to have symptoms, although they do need an appointment. Parent permission is required for testing of minors. For an appointment, call 800-945-6171. Appointments are also required at the eight state-operated walk-up testing sites spread throughout the county. To make an appointment at the state sites go online, click https://lhi.care/covidtesting , or for those without internet access call 888-634-1123. “Testing is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance, and it is free,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Testing has been expanded to be available for those with and without symptoms, and we encourage our young people to get themselves tested at one of our many testing sites.” There is no cost to the person being tested at either the county or state operated facilities. # # #

Contact: Riverside County Joint Information Center (951) 955-5087 Clarification of local health officer orders The County of Riverside issues the following clarification for today’s amended public health officer order: The County’s current health order prohibiting gatherings outside the home expires April 30. Beginning May 1, the county will fall solely under the governor’s stay at home order as it pertains to gatherings. The governor’s order states that all California residents must stay home unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. The governor’s order does not have an expiration date. As soon as the governor releases the stay at home order, Riverside County will be ready to move into the governor’s second phase of reopening businesses. The newly amended health order continues to allow for certain recreational activities in Riverside County, including the use of trails and parks for hiking, biking and equestrian uses. Golf is also permitted in Riverside County with certain limitations. This amended health order continues to require face coverings and a six-foot social distance through June 19. # # #

A HUGE thank you to all of our friends and family who supported our efforts on #GivingTuesdayNow by making a donation to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. For those who missed it, there is still time to donate by visiting bgcswc.kindful.com . Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is participating in the worldwide movement, #GivingTuesdayNow , which is a global day of giving and unity taking place and leading up to May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. At BGCSWC we are not able to help those in the community that need us the most right now because of COVID-19. Our Clubhouses remain closed until it is safe and we are able to re-open them. We know that we are not alone in this disruption of business and we hope that together we can all come out of this pandemic soon. HOW CAN YOU HELP? While much of the world has stopped, our mission to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community will not be placed on pause. That’s why we’re asking you to help us cover the cost of continuing our work together by donating to our COVID-19 Relief Fund, #GivingTuesdayNow.

With many gyms, parks and recreation centers closed, we know it may be difficult to keep kids physically active while the nation works to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Regular physical activity is important for both our physical and mental well-being. The World Health Organization recommends children and youth aged 5–17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. The following are some tips on how to keep kids active and reduce sedentary behavior while at home, with no special equipment and with limited space. ‘Sports Live On’ Although many sports leagues have been cancelled, kids can take a cue from our friends over at Buffalo Wild Wings and show off their athletic skills while practicing social distancing. Join the #SportsLiveOn challenge and have kids practice their favorite sport in a clever and unique way. Perfect the jump shot with trash can basketball, improve dribbling skills with toilet paper, or set up putt-putt golf in the backyard! Take a look at this video for some cool ideas and motivation to keep sports alive, while staying at home. Planet Fitness Home Work-Ins Just because your gym is closed, doesn’t mean you can’t still attend a workout class! Our friends over at Planet Fitness are offering free, live-streamed workout videos every day. The workouts change daily, and so do the instructors. Tune in daily, and you might even be lucky enough to have a class led by a celebrity! Tune in on Facebook . 100 Challenge A simple one to get started – 100 reps of this one exercise. Lie on your back with your knees bent and up in the air, your knees and hips forming 90-degree angles. Reach your arms straight up to the sky As you reach your arms back down to the floor, lift your head and roll up with your shoulder blades just off the floor. Move your arms up and down as if you’re slapping the floor – and start counting! For more 100 abs check out the 100 Ab Challenge from Blogilates ! Every day for 30 days you do 100 reps of a different ab exercise every day for 30 days. You can also break each exercise into smaller sets throughout the day! How High Can You Go This is a great outside option, and simple enough for the youngest of kids too! (But maybe pass on this one if you have downstairs neighbors) 5 high jumps (jump as high as you can!) 5 broad jumps (jump as far as you can!) Repeat for 10 rounds, or 10 minutes (whichever comes first). For more body weight workouts and how-to videos, click here . The Fast and the Furious A four minute (yes, FOUR minute) high-intensity interval workout. It alternates 20 second bursts of working out as hard as you can with a quick 10 second rest to build cardiovascular fitness AND muscle. Here’s one workout to get you started ( and an online timer designed specifically for it ): Do as many jumping jacks as you can for 20 seconds Rest for 10 seconds Complete 8 rounds For a longer workout, try this video . And here’s another good bodyweight High Intensity workout . Circuit Run Social distancing doesn’t mean distancing yourself from outside! If you are able to be outside without being too close to others, try this run/walk workout that totals up to 20 minutes: Walk for 5 minutes to warm up Then do 6 rounds of: Run 1 minute Walk 1 ½ minutes For more, try the Couch 2 5K program! The program alternates walking with short bits of running to build up to running a full 5k in 9 weeks. The U K’s National Health System has the program written out, an app, training tips, and podcasts for each workout ! Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you and your family remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time.

Press Release SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2020 - Common Sense Media, the leading nonprofit organization whose mission is to help kids, families and educators thrive in a world of media and technology, has convened a group of education, tech and media partners to launch WideOpenSchool.org, a free online resource to support families and educators who are transitioning to remote learning as a result of the coronavirus. WideOpenSchool.org features the very best resources from publishers, non-profits, and education companies, including American Federation of Teachers, Amplify, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, Khan Academy, National Geographic, Noggin, PBS Learning Media, Sesame Street, Scholastic, TIME for Kids, XQ Institute, and YouTube. Common Sense Media is curating the content on the platform and coordinating with key distribution and technology partners including Apple, Comcast, Google, Salesforce, and Zoom to ensure families and educators are aware of the resources and can access them. “Today, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there's an elevated need for quality learning materials all in one place for families and educators and Common Sense is proud that trusted experts and partners have joined together to launch WideOpenSchool.org so quickly,” said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. “Many organizations have moved swiftly to respond to this crisis with incredible resources and special offers for educators and families. We wanted to use our expertise as an expert reviewer and curator to create the go-to source of quality content that will provide educators with the support they need to shift to remote teaching and a one-stop, trusted place for families to engage kids who are now learning from home.” With the likelihood that schools will remain closed through the end of the school year, families and educators are facing an unprecedented challenge to entertain and educate kids and maintain social connection, and to make sure that all students have access to online learning and engagement. WideOpenSchool.org aims to make learning from home an experience that is accessible to all and that truly engages kids and teachers, relieves family stress and restores community in the face of long-term school closures and other shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic. PARTNER STATEMENTS Wide Open School is a free and open collection of the best online learning experiences and activities for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense and organized by grade band and subject. Everything on Wide Open School centers around the schedule which is programmed each “school” day for each grade band. The experts at Common Sense along with our partners are working to keep kids learning, entertained, physically and creatively engaged, and emotionally strong during these challenging times. While the platform officially launched today, Common Sense will be forging additional partnerships with media and education companies, non-profits, teachers and kids in an effort to make WideOpenSchool.org a free and open source for the best education and entertainment materials, including social emotional learning and mental and health information and digital citizenship and well-being lessons. With a focus on and a commitment to equity, WideOpenSchool.org will reach families through mobile, desktop and television and provide a clearinghouse of information that helps families gain access to broadband services to connect low-income families as well as an aggregation of trusted resources to help families access urgent services addressing health, hunger, shelter, and psychological needs. WideOpenSchool.org Launch Partners American Federation of Teachers, Amplify, Apple, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Comcast, Crisis Text Line, Google, GoNoodle, Head Start, Jr. NBA, Khan Academy, Mind in the Making, National Geographic, Newsela, Noggin, Outschool, PBS Learning Media, Playworks, Salesforce, Sesame Street, Scholastic, Southern Education Foundation, TIME for Kids, Understood, VROOM, XQ Institute, YouTube, Zearn and Zoom About Common Sense Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org .