Throughout the past year, violence against the AAPI community has persisted, an ignorant and bigoted excuse for the pandemic. The stories received too little attention all across our society. The murder of eight people in Georgia — six of the victims of Asian descent — has intensified the need for us all to see, acknowledge, and face the hate directed at Asian-Americans.
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is committed to being a safe space for all young people — safe from hate, racism, violence, and targeted blaming. Our Clubs are and must always be a place where all young people, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexuality, immigration status, etc., are not only safe, but they are welcomed, respected, and loved. Being safe inside our doors is not enough. All of us, in ways big and small, have a critical role to play to stop the discrimination and violence directed at Asian-American people wherever we see it.
BGCSF stands for peace, equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all people. We believe we are better in every way through greater diversity — wiser, stronger, more creative, more resilient, more talented, more impactful, and more aware. BGCSF stands in solidarity with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander youth, BGCSF colleagues, partners, friends, and family. The Club will support efforts internally and externally to bring healing, peace, justice, protection, and an end to racism in all its forms.
Resources:
Beyond Empathy - Combating Racism Against Asian Americans by Mike Vuong, Tenderloin Clubhouse Director
https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
BGCSF is currently offering free support and training to Black-serving and Black-led individuals and organizations participating in The Dream Keeper Initiative, a citywide effort launched in 2021 to reinvest $120 million over two years into San Francisco’s diverse Black communities.
April is Arab American Heritage Month and I am excited to both reflect on what this month means to me personally and share how BGCSF and Camp Mendocino engage Arab youth and their families.
We are pleased to highlight a member of our Senior Leadership Team, Erin Gutierrez. Erin has served the BGCSF community for 15 years. Her experience spans multiple roles across the organization and provides a powerful and unique perspective on the holistic impact of BGCSF.