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/
The first day of school is like a New Year's Day for kids. Back to school signals a new beginning, a fresh start, an opportunity to set new goals, establish new routines, and rethink who you want to be moving forward. For school-age kids, this means a new backpack, fresh school supplies, maybe a haircut, and some new clothes, all to make sure you’re ready for what’s ahead.
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) is committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ youth year-round. Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at our Clubs and Camp is at the heart of the work we do and what we stand for as an organization. Celebrating Pride every June is an important example of this commitment! Last week, our Don Fisher Clubhouse hosted a Citywide Pride Month event, Summer Pride Healing: Perfect as You Are.
BGCSF is committed to being part of a brighter future for the neighborhood and we are currently exploring plans for a new state-of-the-art Clubhouse in the Tenderloin.