Boys & Girls Club of Auburn joins DENZEL WASHINGTON
in urging all Americans to BE GREAT

From Academic failure and gang violence to poverty, drugs and obesity,
America's youth face a daunting array of problems with serious consequeces and
fewer safety nets at home and in the community.

To address these issues, Boys & Girls Club of Auburn is joining a new integrated
advocacycampaign called BE GREAT, led by national spokesperson and
Academy-award actor, Denzel Washington.

"As someone whose life was changed dramatically by a Boys & Girls Club, I can think of no
better organization to lead the country in addressing the pressing needs of today's young people,"
said Washington. "I also believe that as adults, we must assume responsibity for many of the
conditions that are preventing our young people from achieving their full potential."

The BE GREAT campaign was developed after Boys & Girls of America (BGCA) conducted an
online survey of more than 1,100 teens earlier this year in which 33 percent said that
academic failure is the top issue facing America. In the survey, another 67 percent reported knowing
someone who had dropped out of school. In March 2008, BGCA hosted a national Teen Town Hall
meeting in Los Angeles, where young Americans (20 percent) expressed concern abou the rising level
teen pregnancy and 22 percent reported knowing students who regularly carry weapons to school.

America needs to make our young people a prority. Kids and teens need a safe,
supervised and structured environment during the critical after-school hours.

Help us help our kids BE GREAT. Together we can make a difference.

To learn more about the BE GREAT Campaign click below