The Boys & Girls Club Story

What a Week!

Last week was special for many reasons. It began in Puerto Rico, where our Clubs were hosting the TEDxYouth@San Juan youth development conference. As one of 12 speakers, it was wonderful to articulate the significance of after-school programs, the results they derive in youth, and the role that Boys & Girls Clubs play in the field. A full house was on hand, with audiences around the world tuning in to see the presentation in the acclaimed TED format.

Then it was onto Scottsdale, Ariz., and our Great Futures in Indian Country summit, where I joined leaders from nearly 50 tribes and Club professionals to discuss how we might deepen impact on Native youth.

Next Stop: Florida

Foosball at the Broward Club.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, I had an awesome time with the kids at the NFL YET Lester H. White Club. I also attended the Club board meeting and their Annual Dinner, where I presented President/CEO Brian Quail our National Professional Service Award, one of our highest honors.

Brian and his team are doing amazing work with their nearly 13,000 members – and getting fantastic results:

• Members enjoyed more than 700,000 snacks and meals in 2013, as the Club became the first Florida group to offer dinner through a new federally funded after-school program.
• The Florida Partnership to End Childhood Hunger recognized the Club for its efforts.
• The Club implemented i-Ready, an online reading and math program focusing on new Common Core State Standards for public school learning.

Hobe Sound

The following day in nearby Hobe Sound, CEO Anne McCormick and board chair Eleanor Seaman welcomed me to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. After a wonderful meeting with Ros Clark and her daughter, Val McNeely, we spent some time at the flagship Cole-Clark unit. It’s named in honor of founders Margaret Cole and Hays Clark, Ros’ late husband and a tremendous supporter of BGCA.

High-fives in Hobe Sound.

The Club was filling with kids getting ready for an afternoon of activities and fun. The fully renovated facility includes a library, state-of-the-art computer lab and one of the few full-size gyms in the area. It has several tutoring rooms, and a stage and art room for creative programming.

The organic vegetable garden, named in honor of Ros, was my favorite stop. Planted, cultivated and harvested by Club members, the plot provides the kids with important lessons on both nutrition and sustainability.

A full week, for sure, filled with great people and inspiring experiences.

Celebrating Native Clubs and Culture

In conjunction with Native American Heritage Month this November, leaders of nearly 50 tribes and Boys & Girls Club professionals gathered in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week for a special summit.

BGCA is committed to enhancing and expanding our work in Native communities to reach those who need us most.

Great Futures in Indian Country drew more than 180 participants. A “grand entry” – a solemn processional borrowed from Native culture – opened the summit. As the tribes entered, a drum group played an honor song. Tribal flags held aloft, the procession moved clockwise, forming a circle that would not dissolve until the song was complete.

Attendees were provided with tremendous opportunities to learn, share ideas and deepen relationships. Sessions generated outside-the-box thinking and creative dialogue on how Native Clubs, and Clubs with Native sites, can deepen impact on young people and develop stronger organizations to better meet community needs.

BGCA has partnered with Native communities across the country for more than two decades. The rich tradition and culture found in these communities lends Clubs on Native Lands a unique energy.

At the same time, the needs in these communities, especially for their young people, are great. For instance, while high school graduation is a serious issue for all our youth – every year, 1 in 4 students fails to graduate – it’s even more pronounced for Native youth; only about 50 percent will graduate from high school on time.

That’s why we’re so committed to enhancing and expanding our work in Native communities – to truly reach those who need us most.

Underlying all our efforts is a deep appreciation and respect for Native culture, a commitment that the Native Club Experience continues to celebrate the distinctive way of life and history in Indian Country.

The Value of Volunteers

David George, BGCA National Trustee and President of Olive Garden

Board volunteers are integral to the success of Boys & Girls Clubs. They represent their Club like a flag represents a nation, saying to prospective supporters, "We believe in this Club and will be a careful steward of any contribution you might make." Board volunteers help Clubs secure the necessary resources to provide the kids of their community with life-changing programs and services. They keep an eye on the "big picture," making sure goals are met to ensure their Club's ongoing viability.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is fortunate to have a guy like David George on our board. As a BGCA National Trustee and the president of Olive Garden, Dave continues the longtime support that Darden Restaurants and the Darden Foundation have traditionally extended to BGCA. But don't just take my word for it. Dave’s recent blog can tell you much better than I can how determined he is to help our kids achieve Great Futures.