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 Overview of the Organization    

 

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The Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal provides valuable after school programs for children which are no longer available through many schools due to state funding cut backs. They provide snacks, which may be the only food some children receive for that evening. They also give social and emotional support which can help these children to form bonds of friendship with peers. The donations given to the Boys and Girls Club can provide much needed supplies to children, such as backpacks and other school supplies as well as coats and other clothing. This club is trying to help children in need anyway that they can, but they are in need of much support from outside sources.

           The main problems of the Boys and Girls Club are raising enough funds to provide food, clothing, and school and hygiene supplies as well as obtaining enough volunteers to provide after school programs and tutoring to underprivileged youth. This club relies heavily on donations and volunteers to support their causes and there just doesn’t seem to be enough outside involvement to help all the children that are in need.

           In order to achieve the goal of raising awareness about the Boys and Girls Club our group would like to go to the local places of business to ask for donations. We will use social media and word of mouth to spread the word to friends and family about the need the Boys and Girls Club. Another way to achieve our goals is to volunteer our time to help the children with homework, chaperon their events, or whatever else may be needed.

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 Issue Paper

    

One major problem that our group is focusing on it how to increase the funds given to the Boys and Girls Club of the Bloomington-Normal area. Without funding, the club cannot provide all of the proper services that are needed for the kids. A big part of this issue is that the community is not standing behind this non-profit organization. In order to keep in running effectively, the Boys and Girls Club needs a great deal of help from outside sources. We hope to spread the word that this organization is facing great hardships and is in much need of community support. We would like to help the Boys and Girls Club in making an impact in the lives of kids in need.

           The state of Illinois has been reducing the funding for schools which in turn has forced the schools to cut their budgets by reducing teaching staff, after school activities, clubs, sports, and other programs. Some schools are also being forced to remove the late buses for those kids involved in after school activities. Therefore, more and more children are being forced to opt out of joining an after school activity because of not having a way to get home afterward. This results in a lack of opportunities for children who could be considered at risk for causing trouble out of boredom.

           Do to these school cut backs, more children are turning to the Boys and Girls Club for afternoon snacks, homework help, physical needs, as well as social and emotional support. With this increase in children, the club needs more funds in order to properly support the growing numbers. We as a group, want to raise money as well as volunteer our time to help give these children an opportunity to experience being a part of a group and to get a sense of belonging to a community. We all want to share our passion for helping others and our community. By raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club it will bring us closer as a group as well as help us to grow as individuals who are part of an involved community.

           Another possible cause for the lack of community support could be the lack of community knowledge. If the local stores and businesses are not aware of the help needed by the Boys and Girls Club they cannot be expected to donate funds and products. We need to raise awareness to locals in order to get their help and support. The Boys and Girls Club is in need of food, clothes, hygiene supplies, school supplies, volunteers, tutors, and much more. Therefore, businesses are not just limited to monetary donations. More local stores may be will to offer to help if awareness is raised about all the ways they can help out the community in which they work and live.

           Along with the lack of community support there is also a lack of widespread knowledge of the existence of the Boys and Girls Club. Because this club is not widely known across the United States, it is often overlooked by larger corporations looking to donate to a worthy cause. By using the internet, we could raise awareness of this club and it’s needs across the country.

           Lastly, the Boys and Girls Club is always looking for more volunteers and tutors to help with chaperoning as well as the children’s educational needs. Volunteering is always a great option for those who would like to help out but cannot afford to give monetarily. This would also be a great way for students to increase their community service hours.

           In conclusion, we hope to achieve every one of our goals and make an impact on this organization and in this community with raising awareness, increasing funds and donations, and recruiting willing volunteers. Our society will be a better place with organizations such as these being well supported.

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