From environmental justice to civic engagement, our members in the Think, Learn, Create Change (TLC) program are learning to turn bold ideas into real-world impact, one project at a time. Over the past seven weeks, teens from Boys & Girls Clubs at Meadowbrook, Navarro, and Home Club engaged in meaningful dialogue, explored issues they care about, and collaborated on ways to drive long-term impact. Each team developed a Theory of Change to guide their efforts, outlining both short- and long-term goals for their chosen issue.
THINK
Throughout the TLC journey, Club youth tapped into the power of their voices as they uncovered the passion and purpose that drove their advocacy.
Meadowbrook: Community Safety
Navarro: Community and School Safety, Health & Well-Being
Home Club: Women’s Safety and Wellness
learn
Second, Club members learned about and identified a problem related to their passion.
As part of the Learn stage, Home Club members participated in a comprehensive self-defense workshop focused on women’s safety and the prevention of domestic violence. Through this experience, they deepened their understanding of the issues affecting women and learned how knowledge, confidence, and awareness can be powerful tools for protection and empowerment.
Through research, Meadowbrook Club discovered a correlation between environmental conditions and community behavior. They found that when neighborhoods are neglected—littered with trash, graffiti, or lacking basic upkeep—it can contribute to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and even increased violence among residents.
Navarro Club discovered that many teen athletes were struggling with stress and mental health challenges. In response, they focused their efforts on exploring mental health support for high school athletes—highlighting the unique pressures they face and advocating for greater awareness and accessible resources on school campuses. Navarro will continue gathering resources to support their peers.
As our TLC Club youth explored what it means to advocate for their communities, they had the opportunity to learn directly from two inspiring public servants—Austin Council Member José Velásquez and City of Manor Mayor Dr. Christopher Harvey.
create change
Finally, Club members begin to think about how to create change through projects that address the problems they’ve identified. But before taking action, they focus on building critical relationships. Through intentional conversations with changemakers like Council Member José Velásquez our youth gain real-world insight into civic leadership and advocacy. These experiences deepen their understanding of the power of connection—and show how engaging with elected officials can transform ideas into meaningful action. With this foundation, our TLC members move forward not only informed, but inspired to lead change that is both local and lasting.
“This was the first time I’ve met an elected official! It felt good that he took time out of his very busy day as a City Council member to visit and meet with Club kids like me.”
Meadowbrook Club youth participated in Keep Austin Beautiful Day, a citywide service project focused on environmental stewardship. Our youth rolled up their sleeves at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, cleaning up litter and showing what community leadership looks like in action.
Home Club will continue working on presented on women’s health, addressing the intersection of healthcare access, cost, safety, and mental wellbeing. Their project called for greater education, resources, and support to ensure young women feel safe, informed, and empowered in their health journeys.
Whether cleaning up local green spaces or walking the halls of Congress, our TLC youth are turning knowledge into impact.
The Summit for America’s Youth
July 13 to July 17, youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Summit for America’s Youth—an inspiring event empowering teens to become changemakers in their communities.
During the summit, our teens engaged with national leaders, explored careers in public service, and gained tools to strengthen their advocacy efforts. They had the incredible opportunity to meet U.S. Representative Greg Casar, a former Austin City Council member, who encouraged them to use their voices to drive meaningful change—no matter their age.
We’re especially proud of our 2025 Youth of the Year, Na’Siah M., who led congressional meetings with the offices of U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, sharing the importance of quality after-school programs, such as those offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs and the real impact the Club has made on her life and education.
After connecting with teen leaders from across the country—including 2024 National Youth of the Year Nico—our members returned home energized, empowered, and ready to make a lasting impact!
The Think, Learn, Create Change (TLC) program is a powerful catalyst for youth leadership, proving time and again that when young people are given the platform, tools, and trust to lead, they become agents of real change—both here in Austin and beyond. Through TLC, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area is proud to empower more youth every day to raise their voices, advocate for their communities, and create lasting impact that will shape the future for generations to come.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO:
HERSHEY’S
