Forging a New Path: Continuing the Legacy
Native American Boys & Girls Clubs
BGCA National Conference
San Francisco, CA
On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 more than 90 Boys & Girls Club professionals, board members and tribal council representatives from 20 states met in San Francisco, CA to attend the Forging a New Path: Continuing the Legacy workshop designed specifically for Native American Boys & Girls Clubs. The attendees came to the workshop seeking information on sustaining existing Clubs, funding opportunities, board development and enhancing Club programming for Native American communities.
The workshop began with funding and program opportunity presentations by FirstPic, Inc. and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Clubs were given information about the various options available to Native American Boys & Girls Clubs. FirstPic, Inc. also provided the participants with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the new OJJDP Continuation Funding Quarterly Reporting System.
Chief Professional Officers (CPO) from three Native American Boys & Girls Clubs served on a panel to discuss Board Development. These CPOs discussed provided ideas on how to create an effective board. The panelists represented three different types of board structures, organization sizes, and communities.
Next, Yvonne Kee-Billison, Program Supervisor, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Dine´ Nation gave the participants a preview of the Navajo Nation Methamphetamine Prevention Curriculum, a program currently under development.
The culmination of the workshop took place when Glenn Permuy, Senior Vice President, Services to Clubs for Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented the Native American Service to Youth Award. Robyn Simmons, CPO of the Mescalero Apache Boys & Girls Club in New Mexico received the award. Ms. Simmons has been the CPO of the Mescalero Apache Club for the past seven years. She has implemented successful programs that address the needs of her community and has increased Club membership at her two units.
The participants left the workshop with new information to share with their Clubs and communities. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference officially kicked off the following morning, providing Club leaders with further opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development.
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