America's young people need our help, concluded a panel of child development experts that came together in New York City Friday, Oct. 19, to examine issues impacting youth. Too many children and teens are not receiving the guidance they need to graduate from high school, to avoid the effects of violence, gangs and drugs, or to become responsible adults.

The panel, brought together by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), issued a call to action asking Americans to become outraged over what is happening to young people, to make a commitment to help reverse the negative trends affecting kids in communities throughout the nation, and to join clubs nationwide, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate in their mission of changing and saving young lives.

The organization's national spokesperson and alumnus, Denzel Washington, along with actor and alumnus, Cuba Gooding Jr., and WNBA allstar and alumna, Swin Cash, joined the panel to discuss the positive and profound impact the Boys & Girls Clubs have had on their lives.

"As a nation, we need to provide more safe havens for children and teens in our communities," said Boone Peeler, Cherokee County chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate. "Today, we join with all the clubs nationwide in calling on church leaders, educators, parents and other caring adults to 'share the outrage' concerning the dropout epidemic, the increasing levels of violence, and other growing threats to the wellbeing of our young people. Boys & Girls Clubs will do their part, with the support of many caring and concerned citizens, but we cannot turn the tide alone."

The panel also discussed the results of a new Harris Interactive survey of club alumni that confirmed the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on kids who pass through their doors.

According to the Harris survey, 57 percent of alumni believe the club saved their life. Verbatim comments reveal that alumni found a safe haven at the club, away from disruptive or dysfunctional family situations or other negative influences in their neighborhoods,

"The club was my whole world from the time I was six years old. It's where I learned how to focus and set my mind on a goal; it's where I learned about consequences and how to be a man," recalled Denzel Washington. "I believe we all have the responsibility to give something back; to leave the world a better place for our having been here. For me, that means giving back to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, whose programs helped shape me and gave my life purpose and direction. I can't think of a nobler or more fulfilling mission than to guide our young children and set them down the right path."

The panel focused its discussion on four major areas of concern impacting America's youth today: crime and violence, high school dropout rates, obesity and health, and crises affecting African American males. Based on the survey results, a significant number of Boys & Girls Club alumni agree that they would not have graduated from high school, attended college or stayed out of trouble if not for the club.