Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country

Native American Club executives from across the country recently took part in the first Advanced Leadership Certificate Program (ALCP) for Native American Clubs. The ALCP program began in January 2003 and has held 16 training sessions thus far. This was the first time that Native Club leaders met as an affinity group to discuss issues pertinent to their communities and collectively search for solutions.

"We were told at the beginning of the training we would have a paradigm shift in our way of thinking. I did not believe it but my perspective has definitely changed. When I came home I tried to describe to my husband what happened - I cannot even find the words yet," related Robyn Kelley of the Acoma Pueblo Boys & Girls Club.

The ALCP is made up of two phases. Phase One is an intensive six-day on-site experience at Clemson University. The ALCP is designed to impact leadership skills and professional development through technology, impacting performance in the strategic areas of recruitment, retention, and resource development. Club leaders learned new technology skills, group dynamics, and team building skills.

Anna Calkins, Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley said of her experience, "The main thing I gained is empowerment. It is amazing to see what we are a part of. I plan to utilize what I learned here not only in my work, but my personal life as well."

The ALCP experience goes well beyond on-site participation. Phase Two is a twelve-week post-residential project phase. Three project groups were formed while at Clemson. They are currently working on projects that will aid Native Club leaders in improving services. (See project descriptions below) Their projects will be submitted to BGCA this November, and may be utilized within the Movement in the future.

After six days of intense training, group members were optimistic about the outcomes of the training. Robert Smith, an Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Yankton Sioux for 1 ½ years summarized, "The Native American ALCP group members were a dynamic group of leaders from around the country that provided me with knowledge and skills that will enhance my performance locally."

Under the leadership of Tribal Councilman, Max Osceola, the Seminole Tribe of Florida provided a generous contribution to support these Native American Club leaders. As a result of their goodwill, travel expenses were covered for all twenty-two Club executives to attend the training in South Carolina. The selected participants represented 14 states and 22 Tribes. Their willingness to support the positive work of other Tribes is truly remarkable and appreciated by all.

N.A.T.I.V.E. (Native American Tools in a Virtual Environment)
The Aspen Team will develop a PDF-format resource guide designed to assist Clubs and Boards in identifying and locating information that will enhance Club programming and operations to better serve youth. N.A.T.I.V.E. will assist organizations in identifying and locating resources, improve SOE scores, and have potential impacts on staff recruitment and retention, and resource development.

The Native American Pocket Guide: Starting and Ending with the Kids First
The Cedar Team plans to develop a pocket guide that consists of a collection of the most effective protocols to establish strong relationships between Tribal Governments and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the Movement.

S.O.S. (Stories of Success)
The Oak team will create a brochure highlighting the successful partnerships between existing Native Clubs and their Tribal Governments. It is hoped that this brochure will further inspire Tribal Governments to partner with local Clubs, resulting in opportunities for youth that continue to be positive, consistent, stable and empowering.