How do you follow a first day like the one I enjoyed on Monday, visiting our Clubs in the very birthplace of Boys & Girls Clubs, historic Hartford, Connecticut?
Tuesday was actually my first "official" day (given that Monday was a holiday), and it was another special experience. It started with an orientation with Roxanne Spillett, my predecessor who led a transformation of our Movement during her incredible 16 years at the helm. I could not have asked for a more helpful, collegial, and supportive partner in this adventure than Roxanne.
Next I met with our amazing national staff, in person in Atlanta and via teleconference with our regional and Government Relations teams, to express my appreciation for their commitment and support, and discuss our challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. It is truly an honor and thrill to lead this group, one that any CEO would envy.
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, I visted one of the Clubs in Atlanta and received artistic direction from several young aspiring artists. Here, we drew self portraits with mine receiving quite a few critiques!
Later, I toured one of our finest local units here in Atlanta, the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club, and was greatly impressed by the staff and youth I met. The Club integrates learning into every activity area, and has made impressive strides in outcome measurement. After painting my self-portrait (not something you'd want to see) with several budding DaVincis in the arts room ... creating my own avatar with the help of some young computer wizards in the tech lab ... and enjoying an original song produced and performed by teen members in the Club recording studio, I had a great meeting with members of the Keystone Club. Their insights on the challenges and needs of teens are critically important, and I will be continuing this dialog with these teens and others throughout the country in the weeks and months ahead.
We tackled math problems and ran our hearts out, but to no avail. While we didn't win the relay race, our team demonstrated great teamwork with lots of laughs. (And I got to wear running shoes with a suit!)
During the visit, I joined Missy Dugan, chief professional officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Rodney Close, vice president of (BGCs of Metro Atlanta) Field Services, and about 20 youth members in a unique event called a problem-solving relay race. Each of the teams in the race draws a slip of paper with a math problem; only when the team has come up with the solution, and handed it to the referee, can a member of the team run a leg of the relay. It's a great example of how the Club integrates learning and fun into every activity. Full disclosure: my team did not win. But running in sneakers and a suit is always interesting ... and I had a blast with these very smart kids!
On Wednesday, we traveled to D.C. to meet with our military friends and partners. It's a unique, amazing relationship that dates all the way back to 1991, and has impacted the lives of millions of military youth and families. Please check back for the Wednesday blog entry for a report on another unforgettable day.