Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Named National Advocacy Champion

Champion for Youth Advocacy Award

We’re thrilled to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has received the highest national honor from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)—Champion for Youth—for our outstanding advocacy on behalf of young people. This recognition places us at the top of BGCA’s Southeast Region and as the #1 advocacy Club nationwide.

Advocating for Youth, Every Day

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, advocacy is more than a priority—it’s part of our DNA. In 2024, we made a bold commitment to elevate youth voices and raise awareness of the issues that impact them most.

“Our Clubs have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable afterschool programs to our youth that enable them to achieve great futures,” said John Agnelli, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives. “We are wholly committed to raising the visibility of the needs of the youth in our community, especially the ones who need us most.”

From Bradenton to Washington, D.C.

This year, our teens and staff have actively engaged with decision-makers at every level of government:

  • March 2025: Two teen Club members traveled to Washington, D.C., where they met with federal officials to advocate for youth priorities.

  • April 2025: Our advocacy team visited Tallahassee, speaking directly with state legislators on behalf of Florida’s youth.

  • June 6, 2024: We sponsored a youth delegation to participate in a Manatee County Board of Commissioners meeting. Not only did teens present agenda items—they also toured the county’s government and judicial centers, gaining invaluable civic knowledge.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

These experiences are designed to do more than create change today—they prepare our youth to be tomorrow’s leaders. By engaging in real-world advocacy, our members develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

“Our advocacy isn’t just a one-day event,” said Dawn Stanhope, President and CEO. “We are raising our voices every single day to ensure top issues and solutions impacting young people are prioritized in our community, our state, and at the national level.”

National Recognition: Champion for Youth

BGCA’s Club Advocacy Engagement Recognition Program honors Clubs based on the impact, creativity, and innovation of their advocacy efforts. Clubs are ranked into three tiers:

  • Advocate (top 50%)

  • Hero (next 40%)

  • Champion (top 10%)

We are proud to be recognized as a Champion for Youth, leading the nation in points earned across all five BGCA regions.

Thank You to Our Community

This incredible achievement would not be possible without the unwavering support of our community, our staff, and most importantly, our youth. Together, we are proving that when young people have the platform to be heard, they have the power to change the world.

Want to learn more about how you can support our advocacy work? Contact us or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay involved.