Clubs of America (BGCA) and The Allstate Foundation have created "Youth
for Unity," a program designed to teach young people about the
advantages of diversity.
Whether recent allegations of racism along the Gulf Coast, regarding the
response to Hurricane Katrina, reflect reality or perception, it is
clear that the U.S. still has significant divisions that fall along
ethnic and racial lines.
In fact, a recent survey of young people across the United States
indicates that while there is a general acceptance of people from other
cultures or backgrounds, more than half still perceive that peers spend
more time at school with kids of the same background.
In an effort to alleviate prejudices and promote tolerance, Boys & Girls
Clubs of America (BGCA) and The Allstate Foundation have created "Youth
for Unity," a program designed to teach young people about the
advantages of diversity.
The program also aims to help children and teens appreciate themselves
as unique individuals, recognize unfairness and take personal leadership
in confronting bias.
Among other things, the survey - conducted by BGCA and The Allstate
Foundation - found that young people believe their race, ethnic group or
religion is still the main factor in achieving financial success, but
also that a diverse population makes our country stronger.
"It is telling to us that the youth diversity survey delivers such a
mixed message, with young people believing that diversity gives our
country strength, while still saying that financial success is based on
the color of their skin or their religion," said Roxanne Spillett,
president of BGCA.
"The survey shows that while we have made significant progress in
teaching our young people about diversity and tolerance, we still have
much to do," she added.
It also indicates that education starts at home.
Whether they know it or not, parents play a critical role in helping
their children develop positive attitudes about inclusion and go a long
way in re-emphasizing the lessons learned in school or in programs like
Youth for Unity.
"By removing barriers and providing an opportunity for America's youth
to experience other cultures - and their own - on a more intimate level,
our society will be well-positioned to draw on the strengths of our
diverse community," says Ron McNeil, a member of the BGCA Board of
Trustees and senior vice president of Allstate Insurance Co.
No comments:
Post a Comment