BE HEALTHY: Promoting Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles for Club Youth

fall 2009c o n n e c t i o n s

Three = One Our Impact 2012 strategic plan calls for the Boys & Girls Club Movement to focus on three essential outcomes for Club members: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. While they are separate in many ways, they add up to the most essential outcome of all: young people who are prepared to enter the adult world as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

By now, we are all too familiar with the staggering high school dropout statistics across our nation. We must remain committed to helping Club members stay in school and progress successfully from one grade to the next, but we must also be committed to removing obstacles to this goal, such as hunger. What is more immediate to a young person – prepping for that test tomorrow or finding something nutritious to eat tonight?

There are no easy answers to the many complicated issues facing youth today, but one thing is clear: it will take efforts from all segments of society to address them. That’s why Boys & Girls Clubs of America was honored this summer when two corporate citizens stepped up to the plate to help combat the scourge of hunger. Thanks to our friends at Morgan Stanley and The Walmart Foundation, Club members across the country were given the chance to think about something besides their empty bellies. Read about how Clubs are promoting healthy lifestyles – and how the support of friends like Morgan Stanley and The Walmart Foundation is integral to these efforts – in this issue of Connections, beginning on page 2.

The bottom line is something we in the Boys & Girls Club Movement have always known intuitively: effective youth development is about addressing all needs a child is facing. Academic success won’t occur in a vacuum. Young people won’t necessarily understand the importance of community service without seeing others model that behavior. And no one, especially our children, should go to bed hungry.

RICK GOINGSChairman Emeritus

ROBBIE BACHChairman of the Board

ROXANNE SPILLETTPresident & CEO

EVAN MCELROY Senior Vice President

Marketing & Communications

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KELLY GAINESEditor in Chief

CREATIVE SERVICES Layout

ConneCtions is published quarterly by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It is distributed without charge to member Clubs of Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a service of their mem-berships. It is also available by subscription at $10.00 per year. Single copy price is $3.00.

Articles or article ideas should be submitted to the Editor, ConneCtions, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 1275 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. Use or return of material cannot be guaranteed and no remuneration can be made. Opinions expressed by contributing authors do not neces-sarily reflect policies of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Copyright ©2009 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.Job No. 1574-09

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Roxanne Spillett President & CEO

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features2 Creating a Culture of Wellness

Childhood obesity threatens a generation

5 Fighting HungerA community effort

6 Pitch Perfect MLB gives youth All-Star treatment

8 Southern Exposure 103rd National Conference highlights

10 BE GREATA national campaign, a local Movement

12 Going GreenTorch Clubs foster environmentalism

columns14 Chairman’s Report

From BGCA leader Robbie Bach

24 View from the PotomacClub youth respond to call for community service

26 Excellence in ActionBest practices from the field

28 Managing Risk Real situations, real solutions

news16 Technology’s the Ticket

Club Tech prepares youth for the workforce

18 The Whole World is WatchingMaking a good first impression

20 Executive DecisionsAdvanced Leadership Program enhances effectiveness

22 Cultivating Lifelong DonorsCareful stewardship makes all the difference

23 Getting in the GameNBA Coaches Association provides unique opportunities

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Call to Action Learn the facts about childhood obesity By Dr. William Dietz

for Healthier ClubsCreate a wellness policy in every Club.

enCourage daily physical activity. Sixty minutes are recommended.

enCourage water consumption as a substitute for less healthful beverages.

enCourage increased fruit and vegetable intake. Promote five per day.

DisCourage and limit opportunities for consumption of high-fat and sugary foods.

reDuCe television watching in Clubs and encourage members to watch no more than two hours daily outside the Club.

TIPS

2 FALL 2009

In 1960, only 4 percent of children were obese. Today, that number has quadrupled. Sixteen percent of American children aged 2 to 19 years are obese. African-American girls and Mexican-American girls and boys are disproportionately affected. Most of these obese children have or will develop risk factors for chronic illnesses that could reduce their lifespan and the quality of their lives.

Childhood obesity significantly increases the chances of developing high cholesterol, hypertension and glucose intolerance. Once rare in childhood, type 2 diabetes is quickly becoming common. One implication of the onset of type 2 diabetes in childhood is that young adults may develop renal failure and impaired vision. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent increased risk of becoming obese adults. Obesity in adulthood greatly increases the risks of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis and some forms of cancer. The medical costs of obesity for adults in the United States are almost $150 billion annually and account for 9 percent of the national health care budget.

The causes of childhood obesity include both increased caloric intake and reduced physical activity. Sugar-sweetened beverages have become a regular part of a child’s diet, and portion sizes have increased. The lack of access to healthful foods may reduce the options for minority children in inner-city neighborhoods. The absence of supermarkets and a reliance on convenience stores means fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a lower likelihood of low-fat or no-fat milk.

Less walking and bicycling, together with increased reliance on cars for children to get to school, have reduced opportunities for physical activity as part of everyday life. Physical education and recess have been eliminated or curtailed in many schools. In poorer neighborhoods, lack of access to recreational facilities and concern about safety may further limit physical activity.

Although these seem to be urban issues, rural communities share some of these problems. Quality grocery stores may be inaccessibly distant, and small communities often lack recreational amenities.

The limited absence of opportunities for physical activity have been paralleled by an increase in computer use, video gaming and television viewing. One study found that a typical child, aged 6 to 11 years, was exposed to over 10,000 food advertisements on television per year, many of which promoted high-calorie foods. Furthermore, children tend to snack on those foods while watching television.

Promising NewsThe good news is that there is still time to reverse this dangerous trend. We must increase our efforts to improve the availability of healthful choices for our young people. More importantly, we must also create policies that support a healthy lifestyle and healthy communities.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that for the first time in several decades, the increase in childhood obesity in the United States has leveled off. Reasons for this plateau are uncertain. Possible causes include increased public awareness, more effective programmatic interventions, and improved choices in schools. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are taking significant steps to educate policy-makers, families and the general public about healthy living. We supported efforts by the Department of Health & Human Services to develop the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (www.health.gov/paguidelines), which provide science-based guidance to help Americans aged 6 and older improve their health through physical activity. Furthermore, we are actively promoting policies to improve access to healthier foods and safe facilities for physical activity, and to reduce access to unhealthy foods and beverages.

I believe the reach of Boys & Girls Clubs can make a profound impact on the health and wellness of children. For example, the array of Sports, Fitness & Recreation and Health & Life Skills programs provides children with opportunities to become active, develop healthy habits, attain positive self-concepts, build good decision-making skills, increase personal safety, and form meaningful relationships and strong family support. A recent evaluation of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Triple Play program by Youth Development Strategies Inc. demonstrated that participants become more active, eat more fruits and vegetables, and have a greater sense of self-mastery.

The children you serve are among those at greatest risk. I encourage you to review and modify the activities and foods available in your Clubs. We need your help to halt this epidemic.

Dr. William Dietz is the Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions of this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

3CONNECTIONS

Turning the Tide on Childhood ObesityClubs Can and Must Win the Fight for FitnessBy Wayne B. Moss

The sight of an overweight Club member unable to climb a set of stairs was the catalyst for serious change at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey in California. The 6-year-old boy weighed 160 pounds. As a mother, Chief Professional Officer Donna Ferraro’s heart broke.

The Club sprang into action. The organization altered its entire culture by making a strong commitment to health and wellness. Ferraro led the way by losing 85 pounds. The key was garnering support throughout the organization. The staff embraced a healthy approach, and the Board of Directors adopted a strategic health and wellness plan.

The strict policy prohibits the presence of fast food in the building by the 70-member staff. The plan also established guidelines for products in vending machines – low-calorie sodas, water and juices must be offered – and began requiring a healthy mix of food groups for members. This policy also includes meals served to members, food at all special events and meals served at board meetings. Now, when young people arrive at the Club, their day starts with physical activities such as relay races before they tackle programs in other areas.

“You have to be committed,” says Ferraro. “Sometimes in Clubs, we start something and then we’re on to something

else. Everything we do now is committed to health. I’m proud to say our staff has embraced the new culture. The kids own it. The parents receive training on family night. We serve a proportioned meal and then we explain what we’ve prepared and why.”

Creating a Culture of WellnessThe heartbreaking scenario that motivated the Monterey Club to step up its fitness efforts is all too common in Clubs, schools and communities across America. It’s an established fact: the obesity crisis is at epidemic proportions.

Boys & Girls Clubs, however, are well positioned to help reverse the alarming trends associated with obesity and an overall lack of wellness. To start with the obvious, many young people go to Clubs for the express purpose of participating in recreational programs. In fact, a 2007 Harris Interactive survey of Club alumni found that 80 percent said the Club had a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health.

As important as recreational activities are, they are not the entire answer to increasing wellness and fitness among young people. Just as in the case of the Monterey Club, staff members at many Clubs are realizing the crucial link between modeling wellness and healthy members.

The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Ark., was having varied success with its recreation programs, but things took off when it implemented Triple Play. The program, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, demonstrates how eating right, keeping fit and forming positive relationships add up to a healthy lifestyle for members. Daniel Rodriquez, director of youth development, lost 60 pounds in seven months. It has changed his life and made a significant difference with Club members.

The Club implemented a variety of Triple Play program components, including Healthy Habits, and made the curriculum fun and experiential. For instance, Club staff created a Jeopardy-style format to cover lesson topics such as the USDA food pyramid and eating for energy. Winning teams received real fruit Popsicles and chose how many push-ups the other team had to do. In addition to making learning about wellness fun, this creative approach enabled Teen Sports Club members to develop leadership skills by facilitating the game shows.

Clubs have an important role in turning the tide on childhood obesity. Together, we must all do our part to put youth on the path to a more healthful lifestyle.

Wayne B. Moss is senior director of sports, fitness & recreation for BGCA.

As the official charity of Major League Baseball, Boys & Girls Clubs benefit from many baseball and softball programs each year. Thousands of young people across the country enhance their physical activity by participating in these programs, providing both male and female Club members with the opportunity to participate in our National Pastime.

4 FALL 2009

Curbing Hunger: A Community EffortAs our nation, and the world, continue to face economic uncertainty, Boys & Girls Clubs are positioning themselves to meet increasing demand for the critical services they provide. During summer, one of these needs can be summed up in a single word: hunger.

Many Clubs are experiencing dramatic increases in the number of young people who arrive at Clubs hungry as families struggle to provide basic needs. Approximately 12 million young people live in households unable to consistently supply adequate amounts of nutritious food needed to maintain a healthy life. Some families go days without an adequate meal.

In 2008, more than 3,200 Boys & Girls Clubs offered food programs. Clubs reported serving almost 14 million meals and more than 33 million snacks last year. In Idaho, for instance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley served 48,000 grilled cheese sandwiches. That equates to approximately 300 loaves of bread and 1,200 pounds of cheese!

Summer, however, is one of the most difficult times to ensure that young people are provided with wholesome meals. During 2007, almost 18 million low-income children received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. Unfortunately, only 2 million of these same children participated in the Summer Food Service Program, potentially leaving more than 15 million youth without a stable summer food source.

An Inspiring SolutionIn response to these alarming realities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America teamed up with Morgan Stanley and The Walmart Foundation during the summer of 2009 to help feed young people. Walmart sponsored the Summer Servings grant and Morgan Stanley sponsored the Million Meal Summer program. The generous support of Morgan Stanley and Walmart provided for more than 2 million meals served at Clubs this past summer.

The Summer Servings grant helped the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harlingen, Texas, provide more than 30,000 meals. “With the current economic downturn, we’ve seen a decline in resources while simultaneously receiving a record number of requests from families and children in need – many of whom have never had to

ask for public assistance,” says Gerald Gathright, chief professional officer. “The grant from The Walmart Foundation is greatly appreciated as it came at a time when so many families were struggling to provide their children with healthy meals. We were able to step up and help families during these hard economic times.”

The partnerships also sought to engage and educate parents and guardians. Faculty from the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian designed fun nutritional games for Clubs as well as fact sheets about nutrition for parents.

In addition, BGCA is partnering with Feeding America to assist families in need. With a network of more than 200 food banks nationwide, Feeding America is the largest hunger relief charity, distributing food to more than 25 million people, including 9 million youth.

The relationships with Morgan Stanley, The Walmart Foundation and Feeding America are terrific examples of how private-public partnerships can help alleviate some of our nation’s pressing problems by combining efforts from the corporate and nonprofit sectors. For Boys & Girls Clubs in the summer of 2009, these partnerships helped to ensure that Club youth did not go hungry.

–Wayne B. Moss

Morgan Stanley employees help out at the Health Food Station at the Watts/

Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club Health Fair in Los Angeles, passing out

healthy foods such as bananas, apples, organic apple juice and fresh turkey

wraps to Club members and their families. The volunteers also dispensed

tips on how to eat healthy and stay active.

5CONNECTIONS

What a week! Major League Baseball put on a grand

celebration July 10-14 in St. Louis for its Midsummer

Classic, the MLB All-Star Game. Throughout the five-day event,

St. Louis-area Boys & Girls Clubs were provided with fantastic opportunities, including Club

facility improvements, VIP treatment at All-Star activities

and a lifetime of memories for Club members.

Joshua Jones, Youth of the Year for the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club in St. Louis, receives the thrill of his life as he shares a moment with President Barack Obama just minutes before the All-Star Game.

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Snapshots from an All-Star Week (l to r): Bethalto Club members serve as flag bearers at the XM All-Star Futures Game; Joshua Jones delivers the ball to the mound during the big game; Club members enjoy the festivities in downtown St. Louis; Rawlings volunteers renovate a garden at the Herbert Hoover Club.

6 FALL 2009

Making a Difference Thanks to Tickets for Kids Charities®, 500 Club members and their families were provided with free tickets to attend MLB FanFest, where they tested their baseball skills, met current and former players, and saw baseball history come to life.

As part of the celebration, the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis was treated to a new baseball field, courtesy of Major League Baseball and Cardinals Care. The new field will provide the Club’s RBI program with a place to host practice and tournaments.

Following the field dedication, 100 volunteers from Rawlings provided the Club with a “green” mural and memorial garden, and also renovated their multi-purpose room.

The project was made

possible through the generous support of the Frank Foundation.

Home Run Derby FunAll-Star Week featured three Home Run Derby competitions, all of which benefitted Boys

& Girls Clubs. Eight-year-old Krista Cochran, from the Scott Air Force Base Club in Illinois, cheered Pirate Parrot (the Pittsburgh Pirates mascot) to a win in the Mascot Home Run Derby, earning her and her dad a trip to that night’s prime time Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium, longtime home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Local celebrities helped the Herbert Hoover Club earn $5,000 as they slugged it out in the Tee-Ball Home Run Derby.

During the nationally televised State Farm Home Run Derby, Club members were paired with All-Stars vying for the Home Run Derby crown.

“It felt really good to represent my Club at the Home Run Derby,” said Cordell Clark, a member of the Musgrave Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Mo. “I am a sports fan, so having a chance to stand next to the All-Stars was really special.” Cordell, 14, was paired with Philadelphia Phillies star Ryan Howard, who attended Missouri State University in Springfield. “It was neat to be partnered with an All-Star who had lived in my hometown,” said Cordell.

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder hit more homers than anyone else, helping the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto, Ill., earn $50,000 to renovate its teen center. The remaining Clubs that were part of the Derby received $10,000 for their teen center renovations. The 85 home runs hit during the annual slugfest helped raise $665,000 to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America and St. Louis-area Clubs.

All-Stars: Club Members, Players, Celebrities – and The PresidentDozens of Club members were treated to private baseball clinics by MLB greats Cal Ripken Jr., Evan Longoria and Miguel Batista. The major leaguers showed Club members the basics of hitting, catching and fielding, and spent time personally coaching each young person.

Recording artist and BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame member Ashanti represented Boys & Girls Clubs during the Celebrity All-Star Game. Ashanti, who

was joined by fellow musicians, actors and MLB legends in the annual contest, did Clubs proud,

hitting a single and scoring a run.

Perhaps the most remarkable opportunity took place just minutes before the All-Star game, when Joshua Jones, Youth of the Year for the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, had the distinct honor of meeting President Obama, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Joshua, proudly representing his millions of Boys & Girls Club peers, shared a personal moment of thanks and appreciation with the President. He had his photo taken and was given a commemorative presidential coin as a keepsake.

In all, close to 1,000 St. Louis-area Club members, staff and families participated in MLB All-Star week activities. Moreover, nearly $750,000 in donations were raised to support the Boys & Girls Club mission.

Great Clubs, Great SponsorsSeveral nearby Clubs represented the Boys & Girls Club Movement at the event: Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis; Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto, Ill.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County, Mo.; Boys & Girls Club of Alton, Ill.; Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City, Mo.; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Mo.

BGCA remains grateful for its partnership with Major League Baseball, which continues to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for Club members, their families and Club staff. Club experiences at the 2009 All-Star festivities were further enhanced by the generosity of the St. Louis Cardinals, State Farm, the Frank Foundation and Tickets for Kids Charities.

7CONNECTIONS

Georgia was on the minds of some 1,800 members of the Boys & Girls Club family as they descended

upon our 103rd Annual National Conference, held May 13-16 in Atlanta. With the BE GREAT campaign

as the backdrop, the conference provided refreshing, high-energy sessions that renewed participants’

commitment to and passion for Boys & Girls Clubs.

With a focus on teens and the high school dropout epidemic, this year’s conference offered many insights

for attendees. Highlights included an inspiring session featuring actor and Club alumnus Dr. Bill Cosby,

Harvard child psychiatrist Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint and Susan Goings, former ABC-TV newscaster and

longtime national volunteer for Boys & Girls Clubs. This year’s Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony

honored five outstanding former Club members – all of whom continue to support our Movement.

Participants were also treated to a night out at Turner Field, courtesy of our friends at Major League

Baseball. And, to top it all off, the Conference Finale Dinner featured terrific performances from a variety

of talented Club members. At the dinner, we also recognized two exceptional members of our family:

Emil J. Brolick, BGCA governor and champion of our teen programming, who received the Herbert

Hoover Humanitarian Award for his longtime support, and BGCA’s own Glenn Permuy, who received

the Thomas G. Garth Character and Courage Award for his many decades of service to our Movement.

National Conference Inspires,

Generates Momentum

1. Special delivery: BGCA’s Jim Caufield helps announce an exciting new partnership with UPS during the Opening Session.

2. National Conference Chair Michael Capellas bangs the gavel to officially begin the Conference.

3. For his longtime commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs, Glenn Permuy receives the Thomas G. Garth Award from Irene Garth and BGCA President Roxanne Spillett.

4. The 1-LUV performers, from Wiesbaden Youth Services in Germany, energize the audience during the Conference Finale Dinner.

5. Actor and Club alumnus Dr. Bill Cosby and BGCA volunteer Susan Goings share a laugh during the thought-provoking Opening Session.

6. Club alumnus – and surprise guest – Evander Holyfield proudly displays his new sweatshirt at the Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony.

7. Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, author and education expert, delivers a rousing message about education.

8. Marcelo Leal, of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Ironbound in Newark, N.J., hits all the right notes as emcee of the Conference Finale Dinner.

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9. In a soulful acoustic number, Keri Prather of Camp Zama Youth Services in Japan touches the hearts of audience members.

10. BGCA Governor Tony Conza presents the MAC Awards with great style and humor.

11. 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees: Barry Griswell, chairman and CEO, Principal Financial Group; Julia Copeland, mother of inductee Mike Tomlin, head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers; The Hon. Tim Irwin, juvenile court judge; Usher, singer/actor; and Ashanti, singer/songwriter.

12. In recognition of his longtime and strong support for teen programming, BGCA Governor Emil Brolick (left) receives the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award from BGCA Chairman Robbie Bach.

13. The Shimmery Girls, from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oshkosh, Wis., take to the stage in a blaze of color.

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9CONNECTIONS

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s BE GREAT campaign was born from the idea that all kids have the potential to be great – but some may need vehicles such as a Boys & Girls Club to help them get there. What began in 2007 as a simple marketing campaign to increase awareness of the Boys & Girls Club brand quickly picked up pace, becoming not only a marketing effort, but a powerful voice of advocacy on behalf of America’s youth.

Led by national spokesperson and Club alumnus Denzel Washington and featuring other prominent Boys & Girls Club alumni, including Ashanti, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Martin Sheen, Mario Lopez, Shaquille O’Neal, Usher and Gen. Wesley Clark, the BE GREAT campaign reminds the public that every child has the power to succeed.

With high-profile advertising, from a three-tier billboard in New York’s Times Square to full-page ads in key weekly and monthly magazines – all donated – the campaign has helped generate awareness on a previously unmatched scale, resulting in a hefty increase in traffic to BGCA’s campaign site, www.BeGreatAmerica.org.

As BE GREAT continues to gain momentum, Boys & Girls Clubs across the country have recognized the power of the campaign’s call to action and are creating their own campaigns that dovetail with the national messaging. These localized efforts are not only contributing to the strength of the national brand, but delivering powerful results in communities across the country.

Using Technology to Tell a Story Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is one organization that quickly embraced the BE GREAT campaign, resulting in tremendous success. Relying heavily on online tools, the organization launched an e-mail fundraiser, accompanied by a dedicated section of the Club Web site, around the BE GREAT theme.

Featuring moving stories from current Club members, the campaign gave e-mail recipients a chance to learn more about the organization and offered multiple ways to pledge their support for Atlanta youth, from making a donation or creating a personal fundraising page to joining the organization’s networking

BE GREAT A NAtioNAl CAmpAigN • A loCAl movemeNt

10 FALL 2009

group for young professionals. The pledges of support from the community were then printed and hung on the walls of all 34 Clubhouses so that youth could see that hundreds of people – many of them strangers – believed in them.

The Metro Atlanta organization’s BE GREAT efforts have been successful because they connect the national campaign messaging to a deeper level of personal involvement, allowing newsletter subscribers and online visitors (www.bgcma.org/be_great) to read the stories of lives changed by the Club. From a young boy who needed the Club to teach him how to make friends, to a mom who states that “[the Club] is a place where my children develop their talents academically and socially as they learn about American culture,” the Web site captures the essence of what Clubs do and the positive effects they have on kids.

Campaigning with a Familiar FaceWhen the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville, Okla., decided to create local versions of the BE GREAT campaign, they knew that they had a perfect alumnus to feature. Dr. Bradley Cobb, a prominent community leader, grew up in the local Club, which he credits for his early success in life. At the Club, Dr. Cobb learned about leadership, dedication and perseverance, which helped him secure a medical degree, overcome life-altering obstacles and succeed in building strong community bonds. His commitment to the Bartlesville Club and his community has been apparent in almost everything he does. When approached to participate in the campaign, Dr. Cobb wholeheartedly accepted.

The Club’s BE GREAT campaign has gone far beyond billboards. Dr. Cobb’s participation was launched with an open house, attended by local dignitaries, elected officials, parents and prominent school teachers. The Club

also ran its BE GREAT campaign in conjunction with its It Just Takes One annual fundraising campaign. This comprehensive effort resulted in significantly increased funding – causing the Club to surpass its annual goal by mid-year!

“The Bartlesville area has embraced the BE GREAT campaign through billboards and other promotional products,” says Chief Professional Officer Lura Jaquess. “It has given us tools to reach more people and have conversations about what BE GREAT translates into on a personal level.”

The success of Dr. Cobb’s BE GREAT participation has led Jaquess to consider asking other local heroes to join the campaign. Pete “C.J.” Silas, former president of ConocoPhillips, Life Member of BGCA’s Board of Govenors and a member of The Jeremiah Milbank Society, is in line to participate. Bartlesville’s campaign will also feature Gregory Trent, a Club alumnus and Washington Redskins linebacker who called the Club on the day he was drafted by the NFL draft to thank them for helping him succeed.

Using local Club supporters and alumni in their marketing efforts has helped the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville show the important role that the Club has played in lives from every generation, encouraging the public to invest so that the Club can continue to influence future lives.

Who is Your Denzel? Whether your BE GREAT gem lies in online marketing, in a famous person who went to your Club or in some other creative capacity, using elements of the campaign will help tie the work your Club does to all of the good things being promoted across the country. Make sure to take advantage of this momentum to raise more awareness – and in some cases, donations – for your Club.

Good Tips for a Great Campaign1. BE Resourceful: Visit http://marketing.bgca.org to secure customizable materials in

support of the campaign.

2. BE Youthful: Include your kids in your BE GREAT events and feature them in marketing collateral to drive home the true meaning of the campaign.

3. BE on Board: Take advantage of buzz from the national campaign – submit press releases, opinion-editorials and letters-to-the-editor in line with events taking place on a national level. You can find these resources on bgca.net.

4. BE Connected: Visit http://marketing.bgca.org/community to get ideas from other Clubs about their BE GREAT campaign, ask questions and share your successes.

5. BE Local: Encourage respected leaders, alumni and supporters to participate in your BE GREAT campaign.

11CONNECTIONS

As world leaders explore ways to cultivate clean energy sources and create green jobs, Torch Club members are taking matters into their own hands and coming up with innovative ways to protect the environment. Their efforts are paying off in communities all across America.

Torch Clubs, which have been sponsored by Staples Foundation for Learning since 2002, help Boys & Girls Club members ages 11-13 develop leadership skills and a commitment to community service. Each year, hundreds of Torch Clubs participate in a National Service Project, with the top three winners receiving cash awards for their creativity, leadership and impact on their communities.

With a theme of BE GREAT, BE GREEN, the 2008 National Service Project challenged Torch Clubs to develop and implement ways to improve the environment. Torch Club members were more than up to the task; a recent survey showed that an overwhelming majority – 92 percent – already had concerns about the environment, especially global warming and pollution.

Across the country, the budding environmentalists used innovative methods to raise awareness and motivate others to go green. Read on to learn about the top three winners.

FiRST PLACE: Monofilament Recovery and RecyclingEdgewater Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties, Fla.

During a field trip in 2008, Torch Club members at the Edgewater Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties visited sick and injured animals at a wildlife hospital. They became concerned about what was causing these creatures to become ill.

A marine biologist educated the visitors about the dangers associated

with monofilament, which is a strand of plastic used as a fishing

line. When monofilament is discarded in the water, animals

can become entangled, which leads to drowning,

starvation or injury. The substance is non-

degradable in water and takes more than 600 years to

begin decomposing.

Alarmed by the threat posed to marine animals, Torch Club

members conducted research on the Internet and learned how to build and

distribute recycling bins for used monofilament. They also discovered that their county offered a monofilament recycling program and contacted local officials to find out how they could participate.

A week later, Torch Club youth, in partnership with Volusia County, assembled more than 50 large monofilament bins. They adopted three of those bins, which they still routinely take back to the Club for recycling. When the collection box is full, they mail it to a company that melts the contents down and turns them into fishing tackle boxes.

Wanting to do more, the Club members made 150 mini-bins for fishermen to attach to their belts. In addition, the Torch Club staffed the county’s monofilament information booth at a local fishing tournament and distributed mini-bins.

“Our Torch Club members engaged in a meaningful, hands-on service project,” says Suzanne Oster, Torch Club advisor for the Volusia Club. “They learned how to be responsible leaders while also protecting wildlife.”

Club members lead efforts to protect the environmentBy Katy Griggs

12 FALL 2009

SEConD PLACE:The Clean Kids InitiativeBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, Mich.

When Torch Club members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo asked a local community agency what families needed, the response was unexpected: laundry detergent. In the economic downturn, families were struggling to pay bills and laundry detergent was expensive.

Torch Club members didn’t miss a beat. They researched detergent recipes online and tested some, finally settling on a formula that was both attractive and inexpensive at only 38 cents per gallon. They named their product Fresh Air and distributed it in reusable containers. They also encouraged families to bring empty bottles to the Club for refills.

To take it one step further, the enterprising Club members developed a project using Fresh Air called Clean Kids Initiative, complete with a business plan and marketing strategy. To purchase supplies for the project, they negotiated a loan and payment plan with their Boys & Girls Club. In the spirit of giving back, they decided to make Clean Kids an ongoing endeavor. All proceeds are dedicated to developing and maintaining the Club’s summer camp fruit orchard and pine tree farm. They will harvest pine trees for families that cannot afford Christmas trees during the holiday season. All harvested trees will be replaced with seedlings.

In addition, the Torch Club collaborated with other nonprofits to use the detergent as a fundraiser. For example, a local church bought the product, doubled the price for its customers, and dedicated the proceeds to a sustainable development trip to Africa.

“Clean Kids teaches our members how much work goes into running a business,” says Krissy Rahn, advisor to the Kalamazoo Torch Club. “It also teaches them how something they do here can have an effect on people around the world.”

THiRD PLACE:The Miracle of WormsBoys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley, ore.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley, Torch Club members sought ways to continue the momentum from last year’s recycling program. The result was a composting project, “The Miracle of Worms: Lessons through Vermiculture.”

The Torch Club launched its project with sessions about how to care for worms using compost from properly disposed leftovers. “When our worm bin began to smell so bad that our whole Club stank, our Torch Club learned an important lesson about what happens when an ecosystem is off-balance,” says Lisa Martinez, advisor to the Emerald Valley Torch Club.

Club members worked hard to maintain the worms’ environment. They then packaged the nutrient-rich organic fertilizer to be used on flowers and plants, and sold it in the community. They took pride in producing something that enriched the earth.

“This project inspired other Club members to join the Torch Club because they also wanted be recognized as leaders,” says Martinez. “It was so successful that we added a second chartered Torch Club to accommodate more participants.”

THE PoWER oF ToRCH CLUBSBE GREAT, BE GREEN proved to be more than a one-time project for participants; it spurred ongoing efforts to keep neighborhoods across America clean and eco-friendly. It’s a testament to the power of Torch Clubs, and their ability to encourage young people to become leaders who serve their communities with pride and passion. As a result, these Club members have become true stewards of the environment, making the world a better place for everyone – one project at a time.

Katy Griggs is editorial coordinator for BGCA.

13CONNECTIONS

columns Chairman’s Report

Robbie Bach

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Makes Prestigious

Great news! Cone, Inc., internationally recognized expert in brand marketing, has named the Boys & Girls Club brand one of the nation’s top 10 Nonprofit Power Brands.

This honor couldn’t come at a better time, and it is especially encouraging in our current economic climate. In the nonprofit sector, where more than 1.5 million organizations battle over dwindling resources to carry out their missions, a solid brand identity helps tell an organization’s story. An effective brand communicates a clear and consistent message to donors, parents and the public at large.

Such a ranking is also a testimony to the power of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. The strength of our brand is directly tied to the effectiveness of our Clubs. In other words, our brand is very strong because the work you do with kids on the ground is great.

Having a strong brand is critical to achieving our mission to enable all young Americans to reach their full potential. It underscores our ability to gain attention, foster relationships and, ultimately, ensure longevity and sustainability.

Proven Over Time While the Cone ranking is a great honor, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Our brand didn’t develop overnight, but over the course of time. For more than a hundred years, the Boys & Girls Club Movement has had an impressive track record of effectiveness. As we have expanded our reach and deepened our impact on youth, our brand has grown to be one of the most recognizable and widely respected ones today.

With a vast network of dedicated professionals, board members, volunteers and community partners, Boys & Girls Clubs have built a reputation as leaders in youth development, with proven programs geared toward promoting academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Now, because of this distinguished reputation, our Clubs are in great demand as families affected by the economic crisis are turning to them for help. Even as resources become scarcer, the demand for Club services is increasing. As a Movement, we must resolve to weather this financial crisis and not waver in our commitment to America’s youth, families and communities. We must live up to the promise inherent in our brand: to provide reliable, positive and safe places where young people learn to be great.

CHAiRMAn’S RePORT

14 FALL 2009

it’s All About PeopleBehind a respected brand is a legion of committed leaders and staff who ensure effective and consistent communication that generates public trust. A favorable profile, combined with formidable leadership, helps attract world-class board leaders, professional staff and volunteers.

Building and maintaining a brand is an ongoing process, and all of us play an important role in it, from board volunteers to program administrators to Club executives. You may not think of yourself as a marketer, but everything you do, inside the Club and out, makes an impression on others. That means that you and everyone in your organization strongly influence how others perceive what Boys & Girls Clubs are and what they do.

A strong brand attracts strong partners. Over the years, our mission, our effectiveness and, yes, our brand have garnered the support of some of the world’s best-known corporations and foundations. We also have the support of many well-known and respected figures in America, from national celebrities to local heroes in communities all across our nation. In addition, we have built effective relationships with leaders from federal, state and local governments, as well as like-minded community-based organizations. Forming these kinds of alliances on all levels is crucial to our success.

It is often said that one is known by the company one keeps. Based on our vast list of supporters, it is safe to say that Boys & Girls Clubs are indeed in very good company. Significantly, the contrast is also true; that’s why so many want to be in our company.

A Rallying Cry for Our MovementNow, more than ever, we must keep our brand visible and maintain a high positive profile. The BE GREAT campaign provides a tremendous opportunity to increase our national presence and attract new supporters. As the campaign progresses, we will continue to engage more Americans in our cause by informing the public about the vital roles Clubs play in communities all across the country. From billboards featuring celebrity alumni, as well as local heroes, to TV/radio public service announcements and press events, BE GREAT is a tremendous rallying cry for our Movement. Now it’s up to all of you in the field to take this campaign and run with it, as many of your colleagues have already done. Learn more about strategies for customizing the campaign, as well as the tools available to support your efforts, on page 10 of this issue of Connections.

The challenges facing our nation and our Movement make our Clubs more important than ever. Each of us plays a role in giving kids a voice, and turning challenges into opportunities. In good times and bad, we represent an institution that offers a beacon of hope to our youngest generation. Thanks to all of you for everything you do, every day, to serve our youth, better our communities and country, and keep the Boys & Girls Club brand strong.

For more information, visit the Marketing & Communications pages on bgca.net, as well as the BeGreatAmerica.org campaign site.

15CONNECTIONS

As a youngster, Brian Hughes was often called a troublemaker. “I was kicked out of the Club a lot, and for many reasons,” says Brian, now 22. The former member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, Wash., admits that he was “out of control. The main reason I came to the Club was the computers.”

Mark Haines, the Club’s area director who also served as Brian’s mentor, introduced him to Club Tech, an initiative

sponsored by Microsoft that provides youth with access to technological

resources and skills. Club Tech aims to inspire creativity in young people, help them improve their school performance and encourage them to apply

their knowledge to the workplace.

Mark’s advice and tutoring in technology helped Brian

embark upon a new path. “He helped me

understand that I

needed to get in the mix and get my high school diploma or else I’d miss out on a lot of opportunities to improve my life,” Brian says. “I realized that technology was one way that I could do just that.”

Years later, Brian returned to his Club to teach the very program that helped him turn his life around. He also maintains the Club’s Web sites, and helps manage the network. “It’s good to know that even though I made mistakes when I was young, I can turn around and help members who are struggling,” he says.

Critical AccessIn 2008, the University of Washington’s Center for Information & Society (CIS) interviewed Brian and other Club alumni, staff and members to examine the impact of after-school computer training programs at 38 Boys & Girls Clubs.

“The access kids are getting outside of school is an important complement to classroom learning,” says Joe Sullivan, lead author of the CIS study. “This access makes them more literate in current affairs and other topics. Furthermore, at Clubs, kids often do their homework in a supportive environment that many just can’t get at home.”

Technology continues to revolutionize how Americans work, and the ability to use it is becoming a prerequisite for jobs in all industries and at all levels. Yet, only 13

percent of American adults are proficient in performing computational tasks – a number

that hasn’t gone up in 15 years. In addition, in the last 10 years, an estimated 300,000 skilled technology jobs in the U.S. have remained unfilled because no qualified

applicants can be found.

Club Tech Prepares Young People for the WorkforceBy Lakeshia Poole

16 FALL 2009

To complicate matters further, American students are less prepared in science and math than those in many other first-world countries. By age 15, they fall behind the international average in both subjects.

“As schools cut extracurricular programs and gear curricula toward testing and core academic competencies,” Sullivan says, “organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs fill an important void.”

“Our young people are central to our future economic success,” says Pamela Passman, vice president of Microsoft’s Global Corporate Affairs group. “Club Tech offers an opportunity to showcase creativity using technology, promote digital literacy and expand skills that will not only benefit participants but our entire society.”

Digital Arts Spark CreativityClub Tech’s digital arts programing teaches Club members how to use technology to explore their artistic side. Through projects in Web and graphic design, photo illustration, and music- or movie-making, young people are introduced to a world of opportunities.

Raymond Perez, 17, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Denver, honed his graphic and Web design skills through Club Tech. Just as importantly, his Club’s technology competition groups taught him about teamwork and leadership.

“I love the unlimited creativity involved in Web design,” Raymond says. “I have increased my design skills, which was hard at the beginning. Also, being challenged by my tech adviser has helped me aim for the stars.”

His hard work paid off when his site, The Northern Lights, was named national winner of the 2008-09 Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals. For his win, Raymond flew to Atlanta for a weeklong summer adventure with visits to the city’s top tourist destinations. Along with 20 other national winners, he also gained hands-on experience at the Art Institute of Atlanta and a prestigious public relations firm.

The young designer credits the Club with giving him the foundation and tools to pursue his goals. In fact, it also encouraged him to start his own Web and graphic design company.

Closing the Digital – and Gender – DivideAccording to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, teen girls create more Web content than their male counterparts. In fact, 32 percent of girls create or work on their own Web pages, compared to 22 percent of boys. Girls also surpass boys in working on Web sites for other people and creating social networking profiles. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women hold only 27 percent of jobs in computer and mathematical occupations.

To educate and empower girls through the use of technology, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco developed Girl Tech using Club Tech curricula. “For our program, girls come together weekly to use technology to master new skills, be creative, express themselves artistically and have fun,” says Marisa Aragona, education director for the San Francisco Club.

Participants use several software programs to create projects, such as a magazine or video yearbook. Although the program targets 8-10-year-olds, girls of all ages are encouraged to join. Older girls help younger ones become comfortable using technology.

While improving digital arts skills and critical thinking are the program’s primary goals, participants also learn about the importance of self-esteem and healthy, supportive relationships. As a result, not only does Girl Tech help girls have the same opportunities as boys, it also helps them bridge the digital divide.

For more information, visit www.myclubmylife.com/clubtech. Lakeshia Poole is assistant director, public relations, Club Tech for BGCA.

The 2009-10 Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals challenge members to

depict their own Club’s greatness. They can show where their creative passion lies through clay animation, photo illustrations, music, movies or

graphic design to win prizes.

An exciting new curriculum that teaches the fundamentals of game design will be rolled out in the coming months. Game

Tech is supported by the Todd Wagner Foundation.

ON THE HORIZON

17CONNECTIONS

Raising Awareness – and DonationsTake time to review your Web site to make sure the content is current. If your organization does not have one, visit www.bgcweb.org for a professional, easy-to-use and affordable online template.

Next, determine how you can enhance your site to promote your services to the community, educate an Internet-savvy audience, and nurture and steward ongoing relationships. Keep in mind that your Web site can be an important tool in your resource development kit, and should support your long-term development efforts. (A note of caution: While online tools strengthen resource development efforts, they do not replace traditional methods. You will still want to conduct your annual It Just Takes One campaign to increase giving from individuals, make face-to-face asks for support, provide good stewardship to donors, etc.)

Review your resource development plan. Does your plan adequately:

• makeacaseforsupport?

• engageandinvolvethecommunity?

• cultivateandstewardindividuals?

Once you have determined the fundraising strategies that are right for your Club, consider how online tools can support and strengthen your overall goals. Be realistic about staffing and budget restrictions, and then get to work.

Keep in TouchResource development professionals know that building relationships is the heart and soul of effective fundraising. Online tools should do the same. Keep your e-audience engaged by using graphics, photos and compelling headlines to pull the reader in. Regularly update content to give readers a reason to come back. Know your audience and make sure the content is relevant to them.

The Whole World is WaTching are you maximizing your online presence?By lori Mclemore and Michael von neumann

As the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance

to make a first impression.” In today’s technology-driven

world, the first exposure many people have to your Club

is through the Web. What does your site say to families,

donors and the community?

Now that Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s BE GREAT

campaign is in full swing, there has never been a better

time to take a fresh look at your site. With Club alumni such

as Denzel Washington, Mario Lopez, Gen. Wesley Clark,

Ashanti and Usher lending their support to the campaign, BE

GREAT provides an opportunity to raise visibility and engage

new donors. As awareness about Clubs increases, it’s more

important than ever to put your best online foot forward.

18 FALL 2009

Donors often visit a Web site prior to giving. Consider these statistics from Convio, a software development company that specializes in nonprofit fundraising:

• Some65percentofdonorsvisitatleastoneWebsite of the charities they support; 40 percent always go online before making a donation decision.

• Morethan75percentofindividualdonorswho go online before making a donation say an organization’s Web site influences their level of support.

Be sure to clearly state your Club’s mission and objectives, and post your annual report online. Make it easy for potential donors to give by having an appeal, an “ask” and a “donate now” button on every page, whether through the menu, footer or a graphic element.

Consider establishing a subscription-only e-newsletter. This enables you to capture e-mail addresses and build relationships. For bgcweb users, each Web site includes a corresponding online newsletter template. Another option is to utilize a BE GREAT template, available at http://marketing.bgca.org.

After initially establishing contact with an online user, it is important to find out more about them as you would through more traditional methods. Build an e-mail database by requesting supporters’ names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers within your marketing and communications materials.

You should also include a contact form or an e-mail link so that supporters can stay in touch with you. The Federal Trade Commission protects the public from unwanted e-communiqués through its CAN-SPAM act, which requires that a valid e-mail address be used in mass e-mails. Also, you must remove an e-mail address from your database within 10 days if someone asks to unsubscribe from your newsletter.

Dedicate space on your Web site to information about volunteering, donating or subscribing to newsletters. Promote special events, meetings and Club activities. This provides an opportunity to engage and interact with supporters. Be sure to share examples of the positive impact the Club is having on the lives of children. You can also create links to other sites to support additional resource development activities and services (such as www.clubgift.org for planned giving) and to the sites of supporting agencies or collaborators.

Click and ConnectWeb sites, e-mail newsletters and other e-tools can help spread awareness about the value of Boys & Girls Clubs. Make sure you incorporate online materials into annual resource development and marketing plans. It is an effective way to reach current and potential donors, and give them a reason for giving!

ChecklistHow does your Web site measure up? Do you:

• listcontactinformation,includingmailingandlocationaddresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses?

• highlightinformationaboutprograms,events,hours of operation and staff?

• includeacaseforsupport,featuringyourannualreport, mission and successful program outcomes?

• listdonorsandsupporters?

• havephotoreleasesforallchildrenwhosephotographs are featured?

• acceptdonationsonlineinasecuremanner?

• havehighlyvisiblelinkstoyourdonationfeature?

• includeawayforpeopletosubmittheire-mailaddress for future e-communiqués?

• haveanannualcommunicationsplanforpromoting news and events?

• includeyourWebaddressonbusinesscards,letterhead,brochures and all other marketing materials?

• incorporateaccountabilityinsomeone’sjobdutiesto keep the Web site up to date?

Lori McLemore is director, marketing and Web strategy, and Michael von Neumann is director, operations, resource development Club services for BGCA.

Make sure Your e-mail is deliveredCertain words in your e-mail or subject line

may trigger a SPAM filter alert and send your

message straight to the junk folder: using all

capital letters; utilizing excessive exclamation

points, dollar signs and other symbols; inserting

numerous spaces; and using words such as

“free,” “sale,” “discount,” “earn” and “adults.”

WorTh a click:

1. http://marketing.bgca.org

2. www.bgcweb.org

3. FUNDRAI$INGbank on www.bgca.net (Have a question? Go to Ask the Experts.)

4. www.ftc.gov (CAN-SPAM Act)

5. www.networkforgood.org

6. www.constantcontact.com

7. www.convio.com

19CONNECTIONS

The strength of an organization – and its ability to positively increase its impact on youth and communities – begins with leadership. At Boys & Girls Clubs, people make the difference.

“We believe there is no greater way to ensure success for millions of young people than through the leadership of chief professional officers and senior management teams,” says Jeff Amy, vice president, field services/executive development, for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

To ensure strong management teams, BGCA developed the Executive Advanced Leadership Program (ALP), a part of Boys & Girls Club Leadership University. ALP is designed to equip current and future leaders with skills and knowledge to manage and positively interact with Club members, donors, board members and community stakeholders.

ALP participants explore such topics as ensuring stronger governance by increasing board member engagement; enhancing knowledge and skills in resource development, with an emphasis on expanding individual giving; and effectively demonstrating youth outcomes in the areas of academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. ALP also covers increasing the frequency of Club member visits and organizational income, including growth in revenue from individuals.

Early SuccessesAs of July 2009, 188 organizations and 569 professionals have attended 18 ALP sessions. Seven additional sessions this year will reach 58 organizations and 151 professionals.

Transforming the Boys & Girls Club MovementAdvanced Leadership Program Builds Leaders

20 FALL 2009

Surveys administered six months after graduation, as well as input from focus groups, indicate exciting results in four key areas:

1. Increased leadership capacity and team effectiveness. ALP has had its greatest impact in this area. By helping organizations create a culture of honest and rigorous feedback, leadership capacity is strengthened, and individuals can identify the skills they need to be successful. Results also show the feedback process improves team communications, accountability and confidence in others to lead, and empowers chief professional officers (CPOs) to delegate more effectively.

ALP also helps leaders develop a “teachable point of view” to formulate consistent messages to staff, board and the community. This helps align the entire organization around important ideas, values and a comprehensive vision for the future. As a result, participants learned how to have more effective meetings and manage projects better, saving time and money.

2. Increased impact on youth and community. The program helps Clubs identify youth outcomes, strategies for achieving them, and how to measure success. A new tool, the Success Equation, helps Clubs communicate their impact on young people to all stakeholders.

3. Creation of diverse revenue streams. A key part of ALP is changing a Club’s philosophy from fundraising to resource development by showing the community that the Club does not have needs, it is meeting needs. The community, therefore, should partner with and invest in the Club to help meet those needs.

4. Building stronger boards. Actively engaged boards are essential to strong organizations. ALP emphasizes that increasing the board’s purpose is an effective way to engage the board. This is best achieved by getting the board to weigh in on issues that matter most to the organization. ALP participants say that using this approach has led to more productive and better attended board meetings.

In Search of ExcellenceThe Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico recently completed ALP. In the last eight years, the organization has grown dramatically, expanding from three to seven sites, and increasing the number of youth served from 800 to 6,000.

In 2007, to stabilize and prepare for future growth, the organization undertook a new approach called “In Search of Excellence.” The Club refocused its mission, created a shared vision and developed an organization-wide strategic plan. The plan thoroughly addressed most issues – such as donors, members, personnel and finances – but did not include the Board of Directors.

“In 2008, we had the fortuitous opportunity to participate in ALP,” says Jose Campos, CPO of the Puerto Rico organization. “After carefully evaluating the program, we were convinced this was the chance to take our organization to another level of quality and service, and frame a project around an issue with the greatest transformational potential: leadership.”

The project’s purpose was to identify and implement a new progressive partnership among Club staff, the administration and the Board of Directors to impact youth. “The organization needed to re-shape its culture to value and expect constructive results and execution of its organizational goals,” says Eduardo Carrera, executive vice president for the Club. “Participating in ALP helped us identify specific things we needed to do to achieve that, such as more organizational focus, alignment and personal accountability.”

All AboardAs a result, the board, administration and Club staff are now involved in “single-team” decision-making about governance and organizational practices. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and everyone moves in the same direction. The organization’s decision-making is based on their key shared values: compromise, teamwork, excellence and creativity.

Although the ALP project was initially conceived as a long-term strategy, the organization has already experienced these results:

• Recruited six new board members

• Established board committees aligned with the organization’s strategic plan

• Secured more than $250,000 through in-kind media donations for an awareness campaign

• Obtained a $1 million state allocation despite Puerto Rico’s deep recession

“The numerous initiatives taken by the executive team, after they were able to participate in ALP, have created a tremendous impact on our board and the effectiveness of our execution,” says Victor Rodriguez, chief volunteer officer. “A great sense of cooperation and support between the board and the executive team is providing a solid foundation for a much stronger Boys & Girls Club Movement in Puerto Rico.”

Carrera, the Club’s executive vice president, agrees. “We believe that the foundation for this continuous search of excellence would not have been possible without the momentum and the tools we acquired at ALP.”

Executive Advanced Leadership Programs are offered year-round. For more information, including available financial aid, visit bgca.net and click on the Boys & Girls Club Leadership University banner.

21CONNECTIONS

It Never Hurts to Ask: Stewarding Donors Can Lead to Lifelong Rewards

Stewardship is not just about managing resources responsibly, but also caring for the people who provide those resources: donors. By taking special care of your donors, your Club stands a better chance of benefiting from longtime support.

Read on to learn how one person’s efforts led to lasting support for her Club. The donors’ names have been changed to respect their wishes.

By Kathi Wright

Twenty years ago, when I was a board volunteer, I met two special donors, Lady K and Lady P. I invited them to tea, and connected with “my two ladies.” Over time, I truly came to care about them, and we became close. Both ladies indicated their love for what the Club does for kids, and their positive feelings toward me.

Although each originally gave around $500, I ensured they were stewarded as if they were major donors. For example, I sent Club members to their homes for Christmas caroling and gave them framed pictures created by children. As it turned out, this approach made all the difference.

I would often visit Lady K for a late afternoon cocktail. On other occasions, I would take her on a Clubhouse tour. In time, she became a steady donor, giving between $5,000-$25,000 each year. While mourning her passing, I learned that she left me original oils she painted. She also left another amazing gift: $250,000 for our capital campaign. Today, her generosity continues to be felt through a small fund she established at our community foundation.

After the initial $500 donation, gifts from Lady P dropped off. To encourage more giving, I made a presentation about our capital campaign to her family, and asked for a gift of $250,000. To my delight, they agreed. A few months later, I took them to lunch to thank them for their generosity and update them on the campaign. I offhandedly remarked that if they raised their gift to $1 million over five years, they could have Club naming rights. Much to my surprise, they generously approved the additional $750,000 within 48 hours.

To recognize and thank Lady P and family, we scheduled the Club’s grand opening on her 99th birthday. If she wishes, we will hold her 100th birthday party at the Club, too. In the near future, we plan to go to lunch to further discuss the Club and its needs.

My experiences with Lady K and Lady P taught me an important lesson: everyone likes to feel special. A little time and attention can create lifelong relationships. I also learned a valuable fundraising principle – it never hurts to ask!

Stewardship Musts• Make stewardship a priority

• Have a philosophical commitment to stewardship

• Treat your donors as investors in your mission

• Be strategic and intentional with stewardship

• Maintain stewardship activities with longtime and generous donors

• Follow and respect donors’ wishes

• Establish relationships between donors and program staff

• Ask your donors for advice, thoughts and opinions

• Invite your donors to participate in Club events

• Show donors how their gift impacts a child’s life

For more information about how effective stewardship can benefit your Club, please visit the Fundraising Bank on bgca.net.Kathi Wright is executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, Colo.

22 FALL 2009

For many Boys & Girls Club members across the country, the 2008-09 basketball season was one they will never forget.

Through Coaches for Kids, a partnership between the National Basketball Association, NBA Coaches Association and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, more than 30,000 Club members and their families attended NBA games and received special access to teams. For many Club members, it was their very first NBA game.

“This program allows coaches, general managers and athletic trainers to give back to our communities as a group,” said Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and president of the Coaches Association, as he announced the partnership last October. Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of the DFW Metroplex were also on hand for the announcement.

“Many of our coaches, trainers, general managers and players belonged to Boys & Girls Clubs while growing up, so they feel a personal connection to this program,” said Kathy Behrens, executive vice president, NBA Social Responsibility & Player Programs.

Up Close and PersonalThroughout the season, Club members attended some 200 games. They not only took in the game’s excitement, but were also given special access to behind-the-scenes personnel who play important roles in an NBA team’s success. They enjoyed exclusive conversations with head coaches and other staff, took part in pre-game autograph sessions and cheered on players as they headed to the court via the fan tunnel.

Such opportunities and access provided real-life lessons on teamwork and sportsmanship. “This program highlights not only the long-standing relationship we’ve enjoyed with Boys & Girls Clubs of America but also underscores the great work Clubs do in the development of youth,” said Behrens.

Most of all, thanks to this great partnership, thousands of Club members across the country had the time of their lives. “Seeing the Hawks players up close was so exciting,” said Anthony, a Club member from Atlanta and fan tunnel participant. “I will never forget that day,” he said, adding, “Can I have another jersey for my momma?”

LaTrese Coyt is account relationship director for BGCA.

GeTTinG in THe GAMeNBA CoAChes AssoCiAtioN Gives CluBMeMBers uNique opportuNitiesBy lAtrese Coyt

23CONNECTIONS

columns View From The Potomac

Strengthening America through Service

By Kevin McCartney

“Economic recovery is as much about

what you’re doing in your communities as what we’re doing in Washington – and

it’s going to take all of us, working together. I’m calling on all

Americans to make volunteering and

community service part of your daily life and the

life of this nation.” President Barack Obama

24 FALL 2009

View From The Potomac columns

President Obama’s words have helped to call national attention to something that has always been a part of Boys & Girls Club members’ daily lives. From Torch and Keystone Clubs to Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s core programs in character and leadership development emphasize the responsibility we all have to our communities. Every day, devoted staff in Clubs across the country work to foster a spirit of volunteerism in the youth they serve.

The President’s emphasis on service presents powerful opportunities for our Clubs. In the months and years ahead, our youth will have more chances to practice civic involvement and volunteerism, interact with elected officials and public servants, and see the characteristics of leadership firsthand.

A Leading RoleBoys & Girls Clubs are already finding new ways to engage youth in community service – and demonstrate the value of Club programming to elected officials. This past summer, for instance, the President and First Lady launched United We Serve, a nationwide initiative that culminated in a National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 11, 2009. On June 22, youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County helped Governor David Paterson celebrate the New York kickoff of the national initiative.

Boys & Girls Club members participated in a host of activities that focused on literacy; agriculture and sustainable living; recycling; healthy cooking and lifestyles; and working with disabled people and senior citizens. Club members encountered different groups of people and experienced the satisfaction of giving back.

One month later, across the country, Boys & Girls Club members met with an inspiring and historic national figure. On July 17, the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles had the distinct honor of hosting United States Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., the first African-American to hold the position in our nation’s history. Attorney General Holder talked to the kids about making smart choices in their lives and staying away from drugs, alcohol and gangs. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fighting gang violence and making all of our communities safer and more prosperous.

Attorney General Holder’s appearance at the Challengers Club illustrated how hard work, perseverance and a focus on achievement can make all aspirations possible. Without question, he left an impression on our youth – and the experience was mutual. The attorney general was so impressed by the Club members that he asked for Challengers T-shirts to give to the Obamas’ daughters, Sasha and Malia.

These kinds of events are a win-win situation for Boys & Girls Clubs: Club members see true leadership in action, while public officials witness Clubs’ effectiveness in developing young leaders. This valuable exposure can keep Clubs top of mind during allocations of funding. Your Government Relations team is always looking for similar occasions for Club youth to interact with officials from all levels of government, and we encourage you to reach out to officials in your own communities.

Stimulating newsAlong with enabling our youth to interact with elected officials and participate in high-level service projects, the current emphasis on national service may mean new support for Clubs. Recovery Act funding is putting some 10,000 additional AmeriCorps members to work in distressed communities across the country, and some Boys & Girls Clubs are beneficiaries. For example, the Indiana Alliance has learned that extra AmeriCorps funding has been allocated to assist in expanding statewide programming and capacity building through May 2010.

AmeriCorps positions can help build capacity and assist Clubs in such areas as recruiting new volunteers, and training and orienting volunteers and staff. Just as importantly, AmeriCorps volunteers provide important role models to Club youth. For more information on how your organization can become involved with AmeriCorps, contact your State Alliance Government Relations Director.

embracing the FutureThere is no doubt that these are tough economic times, both for our Clubs and the families we serve. In the months ahead, it is our hope that the American Recovery Act of 2009 will provide us with an even greater chance to expand upon relationships with service agencies and elected officials, and to serve more communities and more families. Your Government Relations team will keep you apprised of new developments and opportunities.

While no one can predict what the future will bring, we do know that service has been and always will be a cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Club experience. Even in tough times, Boys & Girls Clubs, and their members, have always proved tougher. For proof, we need look no further than the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, Miss., whose members, in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, raised money for Malaria No More while living in FEMA trailers. Our Clubs are full of similar young leaders who reach out to others despite their own personal struggles. They make us all proud.

Kevin McCartney is senior vice president of Government Relations for BGCA.

25CONNECTIONS

columns Excellence in Action

Michelle Malin is vice president, operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of

Greater San Diego.

From open Door to Safe PassageBy Michelle Malin

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego

ORGAniZATiOn PROFiLeFounded: 1941Budget: $6 millionFacilities: 17 unitsAnnual Membership: 11,800 members; 24,000 youth servedSince we first opened our doors in 1941, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego operated under the traditional Club policy of allowing members to come and go throughout the day as they wished. Neighborhood youth could walk to the Club after school and during the summer. When they needed a break from the Club or at mealtime, members would walk home, often returning to the Club later in the day.

But times have changed, and it is not always safe for young people to travel through neighborhoods unescorted. Our organization has always prided itself on being a safe and positive place for youth. Unfortunately, our staff cannot control what happens to our members once they leave the Clubhouse.

An internal team examined the problem in detail, talking with staff, parents and other agencies that experienced similar issues. We determined that leaving the Club early was a temptation that many members could resist with support from the Club. The result was the creation of moderate rules that encouraged members to stay at the Club for as long as possible, and required greater parental participation and consent.

26 FALL 2009

Excellence in Action columns

Policy Leads to Peace of MindBy mid-June of 2008, we had initiated our Safe Passage policy. Under this policy, members are no longer free to come and go in and out of the Clubhouse as they wish. Members under the age of 12 must be picked up by an authorized adult. Members ages 12 and older may leave the Club unescorted with written permission from a parent or guardian. After a member leaves the Club, he or she may not return until the following day. Staff and parental cooperation and enforcement were essential to the success of the program.

One year later, we are pleased with our decision. Initially, our staff offered the greatest resistance; they feared it would be difficult to implement and that parents would not be supportive of enforcement, which would lead to a mass exodus of members. That did not happen. In some cases, to our delighted surprise, the new policy had the opposite effect and actually led to an increase in

membership. Many parents told us they began sending their kids to the Club precisely because of the Safe Passage policy; they felt it made the Club safer. In one community, the new policy even led to a small grant.

Of course, we are still experiencing some growing pains, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. We have found that, with a little understanding and effort, the negatives of our Safe Passage policy are manageable. Some parents don’t like getting out of their car to come inside to pick up their child, so our staff accepts that they must continue to remind parents of the need to come inside. Members occasionally grumble about not being able to walk to the candy store or the fast food place, so we provide more food at the Club, utilizing the Keystone and Torch Clubs to run an expanded snack bar. These inconveniences are a small price to pay for the safety of our Club members and the peace of mind of their parents and guardians.

Features oF the saFe Passage Policy• ImprovesprotectionofClubmembersby

encouraging them to stay at the Club rather than leaving unsupervised.

• Membersunderage12mustberetrievedfromthe Club by an authorized adult.

• Members12andoldermayleavetheClubwith written permission from their parent/guardian and a signed release of liability.

• Members12andoldermayescortsiblingsfrom the Club with written permission from their parent/guardian and a signed release of liability.

• NomembermayreturntotheCluboncetheyleave for the day.

• Authorizedadultswhoretrievemembersmustenter and exit through a designated door.

• Clubstaffwillnotrespondtophonecallsrequesting that a member be dismissed unescorted.

• TheClubwillnotphysicallyrestrainamemberwho insists on leaving the Club, nor block the facility’s exits.

• Parentsandguardiansareexpectedtodiscussthe Safe Passage policy with their child to ensure that he or she complies.

• TheClubreservestherighttodisciplinemembers who leave unescorted without written permission, up to and including suspension and termination of membership.

imPlementation checklist • Gatherrecommendationsfromstaff,parents,

members and other Boys & Girls Clubs.

• Adoptapolicydefiningyourorganization’snew intention to provide safe care of members and ensure it is reviewed by counsel.

• Trainstafftounderstandandenforcethepolicy, increase surveillance of facilities and grounds, and communicate the policy to members and their parents.

• Makephysicalmodificationstosupportpickup of members by an authorized adult.

• Establishareliablesystemtoidentifyauthorized adults.

• Sendletterstoparentsabouthowthepolicywill work and when it will go into effect.

• Issueapressreleaseannouncingthenewpolicy.

• Schedulemandatoryorientationsformembers and their parents.

• Obtainsignedpermissionandreleaseofliability forms for each member.

• Establishanemergencyresponseplanforidentifying and reporting missing children.

• Establishasystemofcommunicationwithparents.

27CONNECTIONS

Situation

Is Your OrganizationVulnerable?

YIELD

Avoidance Strategies

Want to Learn More?A Costly Lapse in Security

managing

riskReal SituationS. Real SolutionS.

SituationOver the Christmas holidays, a Boys & Girls Club was burglarized. Since the Club did not keep any cash on site, this appeared to be a minor incident involving filing a police report, notifying the insurance company, repairing a broken window and making plans to replace stolen items.

The situation, however, was more complicated than it first appeared. Among the stolen items was a laptop taken from the personnel director’s office. The laptop was used to store copies of the mandatory criminal background checks run on staff and volunteers. Due to the holiday closing, two weeks passed before the Club discovered the break-in and reported the laptop theft to their background check provider.

The laptop did not have any encryption protection, so it was easy for a hacker to assemble enough personal information to create a fake ID and establish new lines of credit at national retail stores. Within just 24 hours, more than $5,000 had been charged to the false lines of credit, and the organization bore the responsibility for cleaning up the problem.

Alarmed by the situation, the board created a committee to manage data security issues. Their first task was to educate themselves about the use and misuse of personal data, so they consulted their background check provider. They learned that sharing personal data, while necessary for businesses to

operate, poses risks to both the individuals sharing information and the businesses responsible for protecting it.

When used separately, individual pieces of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as a name, date of birth, driver’s license number, social security number or checking account number, pose little risk. However, two or more combined pieces of PII are considered Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (SPII), and the potential for identity theft and fraud increases exponentially.

While the concept of PII is not new, it has taken on new importance as information technology and the Internet have made it easier to collect and resell PII and SPII to be exploited by criminals.

After gathering information, the board now understood the organization’s responsibility to provide a reasonable amount of security. Many states have laws requiring individuals and businesses alike to protect the confidentiality of personal data. Two states have laws that impose a statutory duty to safeguard and properly dispose of personal information on employers, and two states have laws requiring the encryption of sensitive electronic data. In addition, at least 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico all require the notification of security breaches involving personal information.

28 FALL 2009

Avoidance Strategies“In today’s information age, organizations should be concerned about privacy and information security,” said Carol DiBattiste, senior vice president of privacy, security, compliance and government affairs for LexisNexis. “Instituting security-related policies and procedures, such as a Laptop Security Policy, that set forth rules and standards for safeguarding sensitive personally identifiable information on portable devices can help mitigate risk for employees, customers and consumers.”

The situation could have been avoided if:• Theorganizationhadbetterunderstoodtherisksassociatedwith

gathering, maintaining and protecting personal information.

• Computer-basedrecordshadbeenprotectedbyanencryptionprogram with multi-level passwords.

• Thelaptophadbeenlockedinasecurefilecabinetorlockedtoastationary building component or furnishing.

• Thedoorintotheroomhadbeentamperresistantandabletobesecurely locked.

YIELD

Is Your Organization Vulnerable? Use these questions to generate discussions with your board and staff:• Isyourstaffawareofyourstate’sregulationsconcerningprotecting

sensitive data?

• Doyoudeletesensitivedataafterobtainingbackgroundchecksorcredit checks?

• Arehardcopiesofrecordssecuredinalockablefilecabinet?

• Doyourdoors,windowsandalarmsprovideadequatesecurity?

• Haveyouestablishedaprotocolforaccessingsensitivedata?

Want to Learn More? • TheFederalTradeCommissionhasaWebsitecontaining

information about identity theft: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

• LexisNexis(formerlyChoicepoint)providestrainingforitscustomers on privacy, security and compliance procedures. For more information, contact Michelle.Smith@LexisNexis.com.

29CONNECTIONS

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