SAN DIEGO, CA, April 4, 2008—Marvin B. Laster, Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Diversity Program, was today named the first Inclusion Champion by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). Laster received the inaugural MEAF Inclusion Champion Award at the annual national conference of the inclusion training organization, Kids Included Together (KIT).
The award, which includes a trophy and a $1000 contribution to the recipient’s organization, was established by MEAF to honor individuals who have made measurable and sustainable impact in promoting the inclusion of youth with disabilities.
In presenting the award, MEAF Executive Director Rayna Aylward highlighted Laster’s inclusion advocacy within the BGCA organization and his efforts to develop programs and training materials to expand inclusion throughout the Clubs nationwide. “Marvin believes passionately in the value of inclusion, and he has an exceptional ability to infuse his passion into the people and programs around him,” stated Aylward.
BGCA Vice President for Diversity Julius Lott, who joined in the award presentation, commented: “Marvin’s leadership has helped to ensure that young people of all abilities can fully participate in Boys & Girls Club activities.”
Once a Club member himself, Laster manages the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Embracing Inclusion Initiative, which was funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. With technical assistance from KIT, he led the development of an Embracing Inclusion Guide & Training Manual, Best Practices Guide, and an assessment tool, which has been disseminated to more than 4000 Clubs, with the potential to benefit 
4.8 million youth with and without disabilities who participate in Club programs annually.
In his acceptance remarks, Laster cited the dictionary definition of champion as a winner of a race or competition. “I’m reluctant to call this Inclusion Movement a race. But in a way, it is. We are in a race to speed up that day when all people, regardless of their abilities, are fully included in America.”
Addressing the audience, he went on: “As you are running this race, you may get tired…or feel your progress is insignificant or too slow. DO NOT GIVE UP! For this race may not be won necessarily by the quick, but this race will be won by those that endure to the end!"
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About Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation:
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) was established in 1991 by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its US subsidiaries, with the mission of helping young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. Based in the Washington DC area, MEAF has invested more than $2 million since 2003 in its Inclusion Initiative to help organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America serve more youth with disabilities. www.meaf.org
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people, including youth with disabilities, need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. The Atlanta-based Boys & Girls Clubs of America serves some 4.8 million youth through membership and community outreach efforts, supporting 4,000 local Boys & Girls Clubs worldwide through partnerships with 1,100 local organizations. www.bgca.org
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