Racine is the 5th most populated city in Wisconsin, sitting at about 80,000 people. With a beautiful lakefront, exciting new developments, & such a close proximity to big cities, Racine has so much potential to produce greatness. But there is one important group of people we are forgetting AND failing; and that is our youth. 

Racine is the ONLY city on Wisconsin’s list of top 10 most populated cities that has NO Boys & Girls Club. Here’s a few more facts, but unfortunately if you live here, these are probably not that surprising:

• Racine is the 4th worst metro in the nation.
• We have some of the highest unemployment rates, socio-economic challenges, and gun violence.
• 1 in every 5 residents face mental illness.
• Our students (RUSD) are below the statewide averages for test scores in every subject… by double digits.
• Statewide in 2023, 51.6% of students surveyed experienced anxiety and 20.9% reported self-harm.
• Roughly 1 in 4 students eat breakfast everyday.
• Only 25% of children are reported to have had their recommended physical activity a day. 

This tells me that our kids are FAILING. They are failing mentally, academically, & emotionally. This is not just a statistic; it's a reality that affects my very own family, friends, and neighbors. And the number of our kids being killed or locked in prisons due to this is growing by the day. This is an opportunity to do something. To be apart of change.

Racine, unlike many other cities, lacks a Boys & Girls Club, a supportive haven where children can engage in enriching activities, receive mentoring, and build meaningful connections. These clubs have been instrumental in transforming the lives of young people all across America. According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, children who attend their programs tend to perform better academically, with 97% of club members advancing to the next grade level on time, and improving in essential skills.

Moreover, these clubs play a crucial role in developing social and emotional skills. They provide a safe space where children can feel valued and express themselves. An emotional sense of belonging can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and encourage healthy interpersonal relationships.

Imagine if our community had such a place, one that encouraged our youth not just to excel academically but also to thrive emotionally. A Boys & Girls Club can fill this gap, providing mentorship opportunities, educational support, and a safe, nurturing environment for all children in Racine.

We believe that by establishing Racine's first Boys & Girls Club, we can address the educational and emotional needs of our youth, leading them towards a brighter future.

Our local leaders and decision-makers have the power to make this vision a reality. Let us unite and raise our voices to advocate for Racine's youth. Let's urge our local government and community leaders to prioritize this critical need, allocate resources, and take actionable steps towards establishing Racine's first ever Boys & Girls Club.

Join me in this mission to provide our children with the safe space and opportunities they truly deserve. Please sign this petition to support the creation of Racine's first Boys & Girls Club. Together, we can pave the way for a stronger, thriving community for generations to come.

If you would like to learn how to be more directly involved please contact me at nalah.mcwhorter@gmail.com