Featured Earthsaver for the #Next100
AS A YOUTH COORINDATOR WITH THE FBR BRANCH OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WAHSINGTON, TAFARI ALI IS HELPING ENGAGE URBAN YOUTH IN CONSERVATION FOR THE #NEXT100 YEARS OF AMERICA’S PARKS.
What’s your service story?
Opened in 2005, the FBR Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is one of the newer clubs in the city. We offer a variety of programs for youth ages 5-18 which are designed to take a holistic approach to youth development. At our facility in Southeast DC we have an onsite game room, library, computer center with online educational resources, and gymnasium which is home to our athletic clubs (basketball, flag football, baseball, etc.) On the weekends we offer free Saturday activities — one of which was the opportunity to come out to SCA’s National Trails Day event.
Why do you serve a planet?
What inspires our youth members to serve is the opportunity not only to help others and their communities, but also to create change by contributing to something that connects them to other communities, causes, and citizens.
We believe in the old adage “service is the rent you pay for living.” Our club members are not only the future of our city, but they are also the future leaders who will carry on the message of service for the next generation. Service is important because it demonstrates that anyone can make a difference by creating a better community and in turn, a better world. Community service proves that no matter who you are, or what you have to offer, you are valuable and necessary to positive change.
What’s your favorite green space?
Our kids and their families are no strangers to the park system here in the DC area. Some of their local favorites are Anacostia Park, Fort Dupont Park, and Rock Creek Park.
Tell us about one of your favorite service experiences.
One of our most popular events is our annual “OUR LIVES MATTER” community service event. We bring together community stakeholders including schools, residents, and businesses to address the issues facing young people in our community, highlight successes in overcoming those issues, and facilitate hands-on community empowerment, community safety, and community service.