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2003
Native American Summit
Expanding the Circle: Continuing the Legacy for Our Children
January 31 - February 2, 2003
Phoenix, Arizona
Nearly 200 individuals, including senior professional officers
and board volunteers from Boys & Girls Club organizations
representing approximately 48 tribal nations and 32 states,and
staff from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA), tribal leaders,
Native, public and private organizations that serve youth gathered
at the 2003 Native American Summit.
The two and a half day training conference
provided participants —serving youth in Native American
communities –– an opportunity for sharing many experiences.
The Summit was designed to focus on topics such as: reaching
out to and serving more youth in Native American communities;
attracting and retaining high performance board volunteers
and staff; securing financial resources to develop new Boys
& Girls Clubs and sustain existing Clubs; and developing
appropriate programs and services that are responsive to the
needs of the youth and communities served.
Day One
- GungHo!
- Vocal performances from Gila River Boys & Girls Club
- How to Build a Warrior
Day Two
- Marketing on Native Lands
- The State of the Union of Indian Country Clubs
- Talking Circles
- Dinner at the Gila River Boys & Girls Club
Day Three
- Strategic Planning
- Strategic Planning
by Dick LaFever, as presented at 2003 Native American Summit
- Closing Challenge from B&GCA National Youth of the Year
Day One
The Summit kicked off with luncheon keynote
speakers and a presentation, “GungHo!,”
led by motivational speaker, John Carlos. He addressed critical workforce issues
including key ingredients that lead to employee satisfaction,
commitment, involvement, production, and retention. His metaphorical
emphasis on the Spirit of the Squirrel, the Gift of the Goose,
and Way of the Beaver captured the attention of the entire
audience.
The day concluded with amazing vocal performances
by Gila River Boys & Girls Club members and an outstanding
presentation, “How to Build a Warrior,” by D.J.
“Eagle Bear” Vanus. D.J, author of “The Tiny
Warrior,” focused on the needs of children and the critical
role that Boys & Girls Clubs plays in the development
of Native youth. His message reaffirmed participants’
commitment to youth and to developing strong Clubs for youth
in their communities.
Day Two
On the second day of the Summit, attendees
had an opportunity to learn more about B&GCA’s national
marketing efforts from Kurt Aschermann, B&GCA Senior Vice
President, Marketing and Communications. His presentation,
“Building Your Brand,” furthered the audience’s
understanding of the marketing resources available from B&GCA
and how materials can be used and adapted by local Clubs in
Native American communities. He encouraged creating a strong
partnership among the national office and local Native Clubs
to develop marketing tools and strategies that reflect Native
culture. Following that, participants had an opportunity to
attend six outstanding breakout sessions, all geared toward
building the capacity of local Boys & Girls Clubs organizations.
Each session was jam-packed and filled with enthusiastic discussion.
The Saturday luncheon speaker was Mark Piccirilli,
who has played a significant role in supporting the development
of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian country since 1996 and
presented an overview and status of the Indian Club movement.
This general session was followed by “Talking
Circles,” dividing participants into two separate tracks,
board/leadership and staff. Participants attended ten different
“talking circles” in each track that focused on
topics designed to inform, encourage dialogue, and inspire.
The day concluded with a trip to the reservation
and the Gila River Boys & Girls Club, who hosted a dinner
prepared by Lower Suntan Presbyterian Church and traditional
Native entertainment performed by the Gila Crossing Community
School Dancers. Governor Richard Garcia was a special guest
speaker and joined in on the dancing. A good time was had
by all!
Day Three
The Summit concluded with outstanding general
sessions such as, “Strategic
Planning,” led by Dick LaFever of Crossroads Leadership
Institute, who focused on the importance of Clubs creating
a vision for success and a moving closing challenge from Donald
Smith, B&GCA 2002-2003 National Youth of the Year and member
of the B&GC of the East Valley.
The 2003 Native American Summit reflected
the warm spirit of the diverse Native American people and
the strong partnership that has developed among Boys &
Girls Clubs of America and local Native tribes and communities.
The commitment of each partner to creating and sustaining
Boys & Girls Clubs that benefit Native youth and their
families, was apparent throughout the Summit and will serve
to enhance the work carried out on both national and local
levels.
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