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    ATLANTA, March 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Young people from around
 the nation have chosen adults' perception of teens as their top issue and
 as their national service project for 2007. The new project was recently
 announced as more than 1,200 teens gathered at Boys & Girls Clubs of
 America's 40th Annual National Keystone Conference in Minneapolis.
     (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050921/CLW030LOGO )
     At the Keystone Conference sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation, teens
 released a report entitled: "Young America Speaks." The report focused on
 three areas: education, adults' perception of teens, and relationships.
 From those three areas, the teens chose adults' perceptions of teens as
 their key concern.
     "We've proudly supported Boys & Girls Club teens for more than 10 years
 and have watched them do some incredible things to benefit their
 communities," said Sally George, Taco Bell Foundation manager. "This
 national project is the perfect opportunity for Club members to spotlight
 the great work they're already doing and help others see more positive
 examples of teens."
     The teens will return to their hometowns and implement the project as
 best suits each of their local communities.
     By the numbers: (Source: BGCA's Youth Report to America, 2006 - survey
 of more than 146,000 teens nationwide, independently tabulated)
     -- More than one-third (36%) of respondents believe that to improve their
        relationships, adults should listen more.
     -- Close to half of teens surveyed (48%) said that parents significantly
        influence their decisions.
     -- One-fourth (27%) said adults should be more open-minded.
 
     Adults' Perception of Teens
     Negative stereotypes of teens in the media can present an inaccurate
 portrait of America's youth. Broadcasts highlighting teen violence have
 caused communities to enact restrictive curfew laws, loitering ordinances
 and increased penalties for youth who commit these acts. Laws are sometimes
 enacted without consideration for the rights of youth, leaving them feeling
 powerless and disconnected.
     Many of these actions have been taken despite the fact that violent
 criminal activity among youth has actually decreased over the past 10
 years. These stereotypes are causing great distress among young Americans.
     "Teens want a more realistic portrayal of youth in the media," said
 Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "They want
 adults to acknowledge the positive contributions of teens in their
 communities and a greater voice in those communities."
     To address this, the "Young America Speaks" report recommends:
     1. Help teens become more aware of their civic rights and responsibilities
        and engage them in government.
     2. Improve the images of teens in the media - showcase the good.
     3. Create forums to help teens increase confidence and build self-esteem.
 
     About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
     Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national
 network of some 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more
 than 4.6 million young people, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases
 worldwide. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide
 guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for
 children 6-18 years old, conducted by full-time professional staff. Key
 Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and
 career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts,
 sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. National headquarters
 are located in Atlanta.
 
 

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America