The Youth for Unity Teen Summit, held at the Madison's Columbus Clubhouse, is a powerful evening of programming and entertainment focused on teaching teens the importance of being tolerant in every situation - at home, in school, in the community and as a citizen of the world.

"The Boys & Girls Club is not only committed to providing hope and opportunity to our members, but also to building character and enriching the spirit through programs like the Youth for Unity Teen Summit," said Joseph Patuleia, executive director of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. "We're teaching our members that tolerance is a conscious act that empowers them to help stop prejudice and discrimination in the world."

Keynote speaker Richard Green, executive director of the Crown Heights Youth Collective, will discuss how tolerance, compassion, and understanding the nuances of a diverse community were essential in curbing the destruction of Crown Heights and easing tensions between the African-American and Hasidic Jewish communities during the Crown Heights Riots of 1991.

Representatives from organizations on the forefront of the fight against intolerance will lead the six anti-bias focused workshops and discussion sessions - Petty Officer First Class Virginia M. Mayo will share her insight into the role of tolerance in times of war; speakers from the International Center for Tolerance Education will discuss how Egypt, Indonesia and Armenia are fighting to combat discrimination and inequality in their countries and internationally; the NYPD 48th Precinct Community Affairs Division will discuss how understanding diverse communities is key to policing the public; the Youth Empowerment Mission will lead role-playing sessions on positive alternatives to dealing with conflict; the St. Barnabus Teen Health Clinic will lead a workshop on challenges teens face to "fit in," as well as methods for dealing with a biased world; and students from Fordham University who led race forums to combat intolerance on campus will discuss the implications of bigotry and prejudice on society as a whole.

In addition, awards will be given recognizing the youth winners of a $500 grant from the Allstate Foundation. The Allstate grant award will go toward achieving summer community service projects that will not only impact the winner's community, but will also benefit youth through the development of life-enhancing skills.