The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff is proud to announce that one of its outstanding members has been selected as one of only 12 youth nationwide to serve on the inaugural National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). This prestigious selection comes after a highly competitive application process, with more than 90 youth leaders from across the country applying for the honor.
Makia Wilson, 17, was chosen for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and passion for making a difference in their community. As a member of the NYAC, Makia will serve as a national youth voice, advising BGCA leadership, advocating for youth issues, and representing the voices of thousands of Boys & Girls Club members across the United States.
“This is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to Makia’s continued dedication to leadership, community, and creating meaningful change for not only herself but for her peers as well,” said Mark Cox, CEO/President of the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff. “We are thrilled to see one of our own represent not only our Club, but the entire state of Arizona, on a national platform.”
As part of the NYAC, Makia will travel to Atlanta, Ga., in August, to meet with fellow council members, BGCA leadership and national partners. The council plays a critical role in informing BGCA initiatives and programs and ensuring that young people have a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect their futures.
The NYAC is made up of teens who exemplify the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and are deeply committed to driving positive change. Members of the council will engage in advocacy training, public speaking, and policy discussions to prepare them to be lifelong leaders and changemakers.
For more than 13 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than four clubs serve over 1,400 young people in the Flagstaff, Holbrook and Winslow areas through club membership and community outreach. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54% said the club saved their lives.
The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff brings high-quality after-school programming throughout the academic year to Indigenous teens along the I-40 corridor in Kinlani, Beesh Sinil and T’iisyaakin at the residential Halls.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff or to learn how to support youth leadership programs like NYAC, please visit www.bgcflag.org or call 928-266-0489.
