Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hosts First-Ever National Family Strengthening Virtual Symposium

America's Top Family Strengthening Experts to Present in Web-based Sessions

ATLANTA, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the month of March 2010, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Family PLUS Web site (www.familyplus.bgca.org/symposium) becomes a virtual meeting ground for parents, caregivers, Club professionals – and anyone who cares about families and communities. Symposium attendees will come together through Web-based seminars with the nation's top experts on family issues.

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Sponsored by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the month-long virtual symposium will examine topics like: economic opportunity, healthy lifestyles, youth education and ways to avoid the circumstances and behaviors that put youth at risk for negative outcomes. Experts like consumer reporter Clark Howard, psychologist and author Michele Borba, education expert Lily Eskelsen and domestic violence spokesperson and actor, Victor Rivas will provide attendees with valuable resources to be effective in their works of reaching out to families.

Beginning March 2, 2010, health, education and public safety professionals will lead participants through Web-based seminars on these critical topics. They'll present proven, research-based information, strategies and practical tools. Most importantly, they will forge an online community of youth development professionals, parents and caregivers equipped to face the challenges of family life today.

Here's how it works:

• Beginning March 2, Webinars will be hosted every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of March, each lasting approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
• Each session consists of a presentation by one of eight proven experts in their respective fields. Throughout the session, attendees can submit questions which will be answered and posted on the site along with the recording of the session the following day.
• Sessions are open to the public, designed for parents, caregivers, Boys & Girls Club professionals, members of the media and others who support families.
• Pre-register for the sessions you want to attend by visiting the Family PLUS Web site.

"The Family Strengthening Virtual Symposium will provide a variety of tools and resources that families and caregivers can use to further strengthen the family unit," said Jenny Lewis, vice-president, Kimberly-Clark Foundation. "Kimberly-Clark's sponsorship demonstrates our company's commitment to strengthening families, as well as our ongoing support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's quest to fulfill their mission of helping provide opportunities that change lives and create productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow."

The Family Strengthening Virtual Symposium arrives at a time when the well-being of America's families is challenged by tough economic climates, increased job layoffs and limited access to healthcare – sending families across the country into a state of crisis.

"Families play an integral role in connecting communities by positively influencing young people's development and providing increased opportunities for children to become successful," said Romero Brown, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's vice president, Program & Youth Development Services. "The Virtual Symposium supports Boys & Girls Clubs of America's efforts to reach beyond our walls to strengthen families in order to ensure that success is within the reach of our young people."

Registration for the virtual symposium is absolutely free!

Visit http://familyplus.bgca.org/symposium for more information and to register.

About Family PLUS

A comprehensive family support strategy, Family PLUS (Parents Leading, Uniting, Serving) allows Boys & Girls Clubs to partner with families like yours, ensuring that parents and caregivers have the opportunities and assistance they need to better their children's lives. This initiative is generously supported by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. To learn more about Family PLUS, visit http://familyplus.bgca.org.

About Boys & Girls Club of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America