Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Youth Take Their Voices to Washington, D.C.
Four local teens participate in national youth advocacy conference
and meet with members of Congress
Four teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the 2026 Summit for America’s Youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth advocacy event.
Brook’Lynn, Ledon, Gianna and Edmund accompanied by Director of Clubs Christine Kustelski and Southside Senior Site Manager Dominique Hollomon joined hundreds of Boys & Girls Club youth and adult mentors from across the country for the conference, held July 12–16, 2026.
The Summit for America’s Youth, also known as SAY, brings together young people participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Think, Learn, Create Change initiative as well as additional Club youth who were receiving their introduction to advocacy. The program helps youth identify issues that matter to them, develop local advocacy projects and build the skills needed to create meaningful change in their communities.
Throughout the conference, the Central Minnesota youth heard from inspirational leaders, explored careers in government and public service, and participated in training focused on storytelling, public policy, civic engagement and effective advocacy. Youth also connected with employers and public-service professionals to learn more about internships, career pathways and opportunities to serve their communities.
A highlight of the conference was the Think, Learn, Create Change Advocacy Project Fair, where Club teens from across the country showcased projects designed to address needs in their home communities. The Central Minnesota delegation presented on their Blessing Box project, which was designed to bless their neighborhood with household supplies, food, clothing and other necessities. The Blessing Box will be placed in the Southside Club as a pilot, with the hope to expand Blessing Boxes to all the Central Minnesota Clubs in the future.
“Our youth demonstrated that young people do not have to wait until adulthood to become leaders or make a difference,” said Kustelski. “They brought their experiences, ideas and passion to Washington and showed that youth voices belong in conversations about the future of our communities.”
The teens also received specialized training to prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill. On July 15, they met with members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation and their staff to share their personal stories, discuss issues affecting young people and advocate for continued investment in programs that help youth learn, lead and thrive.
“I never thought I would have the opportunity meet with U.S. legislators or have the confidence to even speak up around them,” said Edmund. “But thanks to the Boys & Girls Club, I was able to have this experience, and it was really fun.”
“Before going to the SAY conference, I thought of Boys & Girls Club as just being in my community,” Ledon said. “But now I know that it’s all over the country! It’s exciting to be a part of something bigger and to know that I can make a difference in my community and possibly for youth all over.”
In addition to their advocacy work, the youth explored the nation’s capital, participated in a nighttime monument tour and attended sessions featuring national leaders, young advocates and actress, producer and advocate Marsai Martin. The conference concluded with SAY Fest, a celebration recognizing the young people’s hard work, leadership and commitment to positive change.
The experience strengthened the teens’ confidence, leadership skills and understanding of civic engagement. They returned to Central Minnesota prepared to continue their advocacy efforts and encourage other young people to use their voices.
“SAY gave our youth the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into action,” said Kustelski. “They returned home inspired to continue leading, advocating and creating positive change throughout Central Minnesota.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota
Since 1974, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota has provided hope and opportunity to tens of thousands of young people. Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
More than 25 nationally tested and proven programs are available in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, drug and alcohol prevention, leadership development, and athletics. These programs address today’s most pressing youth issues teaching young people the skills they need to succeed in life.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota is to do whatever it takes to empower all youth to reach their full potential.