" My parents always told me, 'Service is the rent we pay to be living,'" says Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), and through her influential children's advocacy organization, she has lived by that Motto. " I'm most proud of the fact that children's needs are more visible, " Edelman says. "But I thought I'd be out of business by now, that this country would do the right thing for children. It amazes me that the richest country in the world still has so much poverty."
70% of the estimated 2500 children the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County serve are living on or below the Poverty level. It is the responsibility of our community to "pay or rent for living" by supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs. Our clubs give children the opportunity to learn, grow and dream. More importantly, our clubs save lives and give the children the skills they need to become productive, caring and responsible citizens.
To pay your rent, go to www.bgcofmanatee.org.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Great Campaigns
GREAT CAMPAIGNS ARE NOT A DATE RANGE ON A CALENDAR - THEY ARE ABOUT AN AMAZING DESTINATION THAT YOU AND YOUR SUPPORTERS WANT TO REACH TOGETHER.
Banish "It's fundraising Season or It's that time again annual appeal..."
Start looking into donors' hearts and minds. We need to explain WHY GIVING NOW makes sense for them, Tell them what urgent, compelling, fascinating things they can achieve with their gifts. Express how their money will go further RIGHT THIS INSTANT. Spin them a story that engages them on their terms!
For example: We would like to raise $300,000 so we can send 100 children like this one boy through our outcome driving programs. If 300 people give $1,000 we can fill one of our clubs.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Florida Mission:
"To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."
Banish "It's fundraising Season or It's that time again annual appeal..."
Start looking into donors' hearts and minds. We need to explain WHY GIVING NOW makes sense for them, Tell them what urgent, compelling, fascinating things they can achieve with their gifts. Express how their money will go further RIGHT THIS INSTANT. Spin them a story that engages them on their terms!
For example: We would like to raise $300,000 so we can send 100 children like this one boy through our outcome driving programs. If 300 people give $1,000 we can fill one of our clubs.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Florida Mission:
"To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."
Thursday, October 30, 2008
HOW TO DEFEND YOUR MARKETING BUDGET
EVEN IN TOUGH TIMES, CUTTING MARKETING BACK IS A BAD MOVE....
You must proactively respond.
You must prove why it is needed.
Arm yourself with as many hard stats and success stories you can.
Show your case.
TRACK your plan and progress:
You must proactively respond.
You must prove why it is needed.
Arm yourself with as many hard stats and success stories you can.
Show your case.
TRACK your plan and progress:
- Direct Marketing - response rate; dollars earned per dollar amount (ROI)
- Media Relations - Development of media relationships; coverage by media type (newspaper, magazine, web, broadcast); Actions that result (increase in donations, volunteers, new program participants
- Public Speaking - number of speaking engagements and presentations
Monday, October 13, 2008
GHANDI'S FIVE FUNDAMENTALS FOR CHANGING THE WORLD
Gandhi's Five Fundamentals for Changing the World
Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom and inspiration transcends time and place. The remarkable spiritual leader led the Indian people to independence from British rule in 1947 and his teachings continue to resonate - particularly relevant in tumultuous times. Here are is top five tips for serving as an effective change agent and leader in a chaotic world.
1) CHANGE YOURSELF FIRST.
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves. If you change yourself, you will change your world.
2) FORGIVE AND LET IT GO.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind. If you don't forgive, then you let the past and another person control how you feel. By forgiving you release yourself from those bonds.
3) ACT NOW.
An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. Without taking action very little will be done. However, taking action can be hard work and difficult. There can be much inner resistance.
4) LIVE IN THIS MOMENT.
I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. I have no control over the moment following. The best way to overcome the inner resistance that often stops us from taking action is to stay in the present as much as possible and to be accepting.
5) PERSIST.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Be persistent. In time, the opposition around you will fade and fall away. And your inner resistance and self sabotaging tendencies that want to hold you back will weaken, you will manifest your most essential gifts.
In all that you do, be congruent, be authentic, and be your true self. You will achieve happiness when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. And on that path, always remain open to change and continuous growth.
Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom and inspiration transcends time and place. The remarkable spiritual leader led the Indian people to independence from British rule in 1947 and his teachings continue to resonate - particularly relevant in tumultuous times. Here are is top five tips for serving as an effective change agent and leader in a chaotic world.
1) CHANGE YOURSELF FIRST.
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves. If you change yourself, you will change your world.
2) FORGIVE AND LET IT GO.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind. If you don't forgive, then you let the past and another person control how you feel. By forgiving you release yourself from those bonds.
3) ACT NOW.
An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. Without taking action very little will be done. However, taking action can be hard work and difficult. There can be much inner resistance.
4) LIVE IN THIS MOMENT.
I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. I have no control over the moment following. The best way to overcome the inner resistance that often stops us from taking action is to stay in the present as much as possible and to be accepting.
5) PERSIST.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Be persistent. In time, the opposition around you will fade and fall away. And your inner resistance and self sabotaging tendencies that want to hold you back will weaken, you will manifest your most essential gifts.
In all that you do, be congruent, be authentic, and be your true self. You will achieve happiness when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. And on that path, always remain open to change and continuous growth.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
12 WAYS FOR FUNDRAISERS TO FACE THE ECONOMY
From the Agitator, 7 Fundraising Tips for Surviving 2008:
1) Don't Whine.
2) Re-Project and Take it Upstairs.
3) Advance the time-table for your year-end campaigns.
4) Resist Your Natural Instincts.
5) Engage your core donors as you never have before.
6) Do not lose the courage of your convictions.
7) Don't expect that the "good old days" will ever return.
From Fundraising Success magazine, Five Tactics to Rev Up Fundraising in a Down Economy:
1) Connect with your donors' pain.
2) Call mid to major donors now.
3) Begin year-end campaigns in September with installment options.
4) Use Alternative giving vehicles.
5) Focus on segmentation and target total net incomes (not return on investment or revenue)
1) Don't Whine.
2) Re-Project and Take it Upstairs.
3) Advance the time-table for your year-end campaigns.
4) Resist Your Natural Instincts.
5) Engage your core donors as you never have before.
6) Do not lose the courage of your convictions.
7) Don't expect that the "good old days" will ever return.
From Fundraising Success magazine, Five Tactics to Rev Up Fundraising in a Down Economy:
1) Connect with your donors' pain.
2) Call mid to major donors now.
3) Begin year-end campaigns in September with installment options.
4) Use Alternative giving vehicles.
5) Focus on segmentation and target total net incomes (not return on investment or revenue)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
DONORS: WHAT THEY GET IS KEY TO WHAT THEY GIVE
THE BENEFIT EXCHANGE:
What do I get for my money? If I'm fundraising, there are many possible benefit exchanges I can offer my donors - faith in themselves, inspiration, a feeling of accomplishment, or , on a more mundane level, a plastic wristband or logo-laden coffee mug.
Think about this formula the next time you ask for money. Remind donors of the returns of giving, which are precious indeed.
The qualities of a great "benefit exchange" are:
IMMEDIATE - What will the donor get right away
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Your gift of $1,000 TODAY will sponsor one child for one year in our clubs.
PERSONAL - need to believe from our message that the reward we're offering for taking action will make something better for them personally.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Besides being a tax benefit to you (donor), your gift will give children a place to go after school to learn and grow and develop into responsible and caring citizens thus securing a safer neighborhood for you and your community. You are doing your part which will positively impact many.
RELEVANT - Plug into existing mindsets
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Today, Now, crime rate is high, Gangs are out of control and Poverty is growing. Your donation is a step towards investing in the children of your community. If they are in attendance at our clubs after school, they do not have idle time to participate in gangs and drugs. In addition, the skills and knowledge the clubs provide give children the tools needed to make healthy decisions. In addition, 85% of children attending our clubs graduate high school. With a high school diploma, the child is eligible for a good paying job thus eliminating the chance of poverty.
The Boys & Girls Club Movement is clearly a community problem solver, thus every living human being in the community receives the maximum "benefit exchange" when they invest in our clubs.
What do I get for my money? If I'm fundraising, there are many possible benefit exchanges I can offer my donors - faith in themselves, inspiration, a feeling of accomplishment, or , on a more mundane level, a plastic wristband or logo-laden coffee mug.
Think about this formula the next time you ask for money. Remind donors of the returns of giving, which are precious indeed.
The qualities of a great "benefit exchange" are:
IMMEDIATE - What will the donor get right away
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Your gift of $1,000 TODAY will sponsor one child for one year in our clubs.
PERSONAL - need to believe from our message that the reward we're offering for taking action will make something better for them personally.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Besides being a tax benefit to you (donor), your gift will give children a place to go after school to learn and grow and develop into responsible and caring citizens thus securing a safer neighborhood for you and your community. You are doing your part which will positively impact many.
RELEVANT - Plug into existing mindsets
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY: Today, Now, crime rate is high, Gangs are out of control and Poverty is growing. Your donation is a step towards investing in the children of your community. If they are in attendance at our clubs after school, they do not have idle time to participate in gangs and drugs. In addition, the skills and knowledge the clubs provide give children the tools needed to make healthy decisions. In addition, 85% of children attending our clubs graduate high school. With a high school diploma, the child is eligible for a good paying job thus eliminating the chance of poverty.
The Boys & Girls Club Movement is clearly a community problem solver, thus every living human being in the community receives the maximum "benefit exchange" when they invest in our clubs.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Share a moment, create a memory, make your kid's day!
When was the last time you hoola hooped? Or how about raced your kid in a potato sack race? These are the kinds of memories that will stay with your child forever.
The Boys & Girls Clubs understands the importance of spending time together as a family. But we also understand how busy and jam-packed our lives have become. Most families rely on two incomes. Some parents are working more than one job just to make ends meet. And while we are working to meet the needs of our children we are sacrificing the quality time that they need from us. Its a tough situation we are all faced with.
That's why we've created Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids! This Saturday, September 20th we are having an afternoon full of fun for the entire family. Come out to 3900 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, Florida from 11am-2pm for free food and tons of fantastic family activities. This is your chance to hoola hoop, join your kid in a tug of war contest, or just spend time talking during lunch.
Join us this Saturday in celebrating family togetherness. Share a moment, create a memory, make your kid's day!
The Boys & Girls Clubs understands the importance of spending time together as a family. But we also understand how busy and jam-packed our lives have become. Most families rely on two incomes. Some parents are working more than one job just to make ends meet. And while we are working to meet the needs of our children we are sacrificing the quality time that they need from us. Its a tough situation we are all faced with.
That's why we've created Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids! This Saturday, September 20th we are having an afternoon full of fun for the entire family. Come out to 3900 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, Florida from 11am-2pm for free food and tons of fantastic family activities. This is your chance to hoola hoop, join your kid in a tug of war contest, or just spend time talking during lunch.
Join us this Saturday in celebrating family togetherness. Share a moment, create a memory, make your kid's day!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
IN FUNDRAISING, DONORS MATTER - NOT YOU
I know your organization is great. But people don't support your because you're great. They support you because they are great.
When you get your mind around the fact, you are more than half-way to consistently great fundraising.
Copyblogger makes this important point at I DON'T CARE YOU. Here's a way you can approach this in fundraising copy:
....write your content as if you're addressing readers directly, while focusing on their desires and needs. Don't flatter your own ego by penning boastful descriptions of you and your business. Show people you're listening instead.
Donors have no reasons to care about -- until they see how you fit into their world. It's your job (not theirs) to make the connection clear. Bragging about yourself will never do that.
When you get your mind around the fact, you are more than half-way to consistently great fundraising.
Copyblogger makes this important point at I DON'T CARE YOU. Here's a way you can approach this in fundraising copy:
....write your content as if you're addressing readers directly, while focusing on their desires and needs. Don't flatter your own ego by penning boastful descriptions of you and your business. Show people you're listening instead.
Donors have no reasons to care about -- until they see how you fit into their world. It's your job (not theirs) to make the connection clear. Bragging about yourself will never do that.
INTEGRATED FUNDRAISING OPERATION
KEY POINT #4
Regarding special events, consider adding "thanking activities" to the event calendar - simple, free events to which your best planned-giving prospects are invited. Use free special events as a forum to educate and cultivate your loyal annual fund prospects and as an opportunity to meet your new prospects personally.
Regarding special events, consider adding "thanking activities" to the event calendar - simple, free events to which your best planned-giving prospects are invited. Use free special events as a forum to educate and cultivate your loyal annual fund prospects and as an opportunity to meet your new prospects personally.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
HOW TO SEE DONORS REALISTICALLY
Sometimes it helps to make a promise to keep yourself on the right path. Well, here's a good one for you: Fundraising consultant Tom Ahern has created THE DONOR-CENTRIC PLEDGE for fundraisers.
It's a belong and comprehensive statement of beliefs for fundraisers. Here are just a few of them. Fundraisers should believe....
* That no one "owes" us a gift just because our mission is worthy.
* That donors want to make a difference in the world --and that our mission is one of many means to that end.
* That individual donors respond to our appeals for personal reasons we can only guess at.
* That fundraising serves the donors' emotional needs as much as it serves the organization's financial needs.
* That we are in the "feel good" business. Donors feel good when they help make the world a better place.
It's a belong and comprehensive statement of beliefs for fundraisers. Here are just a few of them. Fundraisers should believe....
* That no one "owes" us a gift just because our mission is worthy.
* That donors want to make a difference in the world --and that our mission is one of many means to that end.
* That individual donors respond to our appeals for personal reasons we can only guess at.
* That fundraising serves the donors' emotional needs as much as it serves the organization's financial needs.
* That we are in the "feel good" business. Donors feel good when they help make the world a better place.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Boys & Girls Clubs Produce Olympic Gold Medal Winners
INSPIRING A GENERATION appeared on the cover of the 2007 Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Annual Report.
Inspiration. What does it mean in the life of a child? For Boys & Girls Clubs, it means giving young people, especially those who need us most, the opportunities and skills they need to become productive, caring and responsible adults.
Along the way our Clubs are empowering young people to achieve academic success, build good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lives. Experience and research tell us that certain key factors are crucial to these outcomes, that the support, safety and fun of the Club environment, combined with regular Club attendance and targeted programs, add up to the success we seek.
One of our most timely and proud examples would be that of Michael Phelps. Michael attended the Boys & Girls Clubs in his hometown. What an incredible example of dedication, focus, team work and healthy living.
CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL ON YOUR 8 GOLD MEDALS. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY ARE PROUD OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND INSPIRATION!
Inspiration. What does it mean in the life of a child? For Boys & Girls Clubs, it means giving young people, especially those who need us most, the opportunities and skills they need to become productive, caring and responsible adults.
Along the way our Clubs are empowering young people to achieve academic success, build good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lives. Experience and research tell us that certain key factors are crucial to these outcomes, that the support, safety and fun of the Club environment, combined with regular Club attendance and targeted programs, add up to the success we seek.
One of our most timely and proud examples would be that of Michael Phelps. Michael attended the Boys & Girls Clubs in his hometown. What an incredible example of dedication, focus, team work and healthy living.
CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL ON YOUR 8 GOLD MEDALS. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY ARE PROUD OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND INSPIRATION!
INTEGRATED FUNDRAISING OPERATION
KEY THOUGHT #3
Conversations with major-gift prospects should involve a discussion of including your organization in their estate plans. Make sure your major gifts officers understand the basic concepts of planned giving vehicles
Stay Tuned for Key Element #4
Conversations with major-gift prospects should involve a discussion of including your organization in their estate plans. Make sure your major gifts officers understand the basic concepts of planned giving vehicles
Stay Tuned for Key Element #4
Thursday, July 31, 2008
INTEGRATED FUNDRAISING OPERATION
KEY THOUGHT #2
Do not create a plan for your planned-giving program without considering the big picture and the opportunities presented. Planned-giving cultivation begins in your annual-fund program because most planned giving prospects are likely to be loyal , small (cash) donors to your organization. With this in mind, your annual fund and planned giving activities should be discussed and coordinated. Some of the questions that need to be asked include:
1) How many contacts from the organization will typical donors receive within one year?
2) Of these contacts how many will specifically ask donors to make another gift? Keep in mind that research has shown that asking frequently, particularly more than six times annually, may decrease the likelihood of your organizations receiving planned gifts.
3) Do you provide a check-off box on the annual fund reply card asking donors to identify their interest in or prior commitments to making a planned gift to your organization?
4) Finally, do your donor recognition programs include identification of loyal donors, regardless of gift amount history? Remember, these are often your best planned-giving prospects!
Stay tuned for Key Element #3
Do not create a plan for your planned-giving program without considering the big picture and the opportunities presented. Planned-giving cultivation begins in your annual-fund program because most planned giving prospects are likely to be loyal , small (cash) donors to your organization. With this in mind, your annual fund and planned giving activities should be discussed and coordinated. Some of the questions that need to be asked include:
1) How many contacts from the organization will typical donors receive within one year?
2) Of these contacts how many will specifically ask donors to make another gift? Keep in mind that research has shown that asking frequently, particularly more than six times annually, may decrease the likelihood of your organizations receiving planned gifts.
3) Do you provide a check-off box on the annual fund reply card asking donors to identify their interest in or prior commitments to making a planned gift to your organization?
4) Finally, do your donor recognition programs include identification of loyal donors, regardless of gift amount history? Remember, these are often your best planned-giving prospects!
Stay tuned for Key Element #3
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Integrated Fundraising Operation
4 KEY THOUGHTS.....
KEY THOUGHT #1
You and your colleagues - in fact, the entire non-profit organization you serve-work together to make the organization prosper. The organization is powered by the energy of your donors and volunteers and the strength of your mission and your staff. All of these elements should be brought to bear if you wish to maximize your fundraising potential. Take a Big-Picture view of fundraising, looking at all potential forms of communication with your external constituencies.
Stay tuned for Key Thought #2.......
HOW TO CREATE GOOD DONOR EXPERIENCE
Introducing the 6 Laws of Customer Experience:
1) Every Interaction creates a personal reaction.
2) People are instinctively self centered.
3) Customer Familiarity breeds alignment
4) Unengaged employees don't create engaged customers.
5) You can't fake it.
This list is not aimed at the non-profit sector. Nevertheless, it would be smart to pay attention to these things. BECAUSE
6) DONOR EXPERIENCE REALLY DOES MATTER!!!!!
1) Every Interaction creates a personal reaction.
2) People are instinctively self centered.
3) Customer Familiarity breeds alignment
4) Unengaged employees don't create engaged customers.
5) You can't fake it.
This list is not aimed at the non-profit sector. Nevertheless, it would be smart to pay attention to these things. BECAUSE
6) DONOR EXPERIENCE REALLY DOES MATTER!!!!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
GOOD SEARCH - SEARCH AND RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR CAUSE
I recently discovered a great way to search the Internet (thanks to my co-worker Chelsea) AND raise money for my favorite cause - THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY!!
Thanks to the folks at YAHOO, you can simply and easily download their tool bar, designate your cause and then search search search.
Here's a new and easy way to raise money. Just start using GoodSearch.com as your search engine and online mall. Every time you search the Internet or make an online purchase at one of their partner merchants, GoodSearch makes a donation to your favorite nonprofit or school and it's powered by YAHOO! so you get great search results!
It is really simple. Go to www.goodsearch.com type in Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County then click verify and begin searching! Its that easy!
If you want to take it a step further click on the "Spread the Word" icon to get some great ideas like adding the GoodSeach toolbar to your browser or making GoodSearch your homepage.
The more people who convert from Google searchers to GoodSearch searchers the more funds your charity will receive. In fact, Yahoo designates 50% of its proceeds to the charity designated by the searcher.
It couldn't be any easier to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The hardest part is remembering not to type in "Google" but "GoodSearch.com" instead.
Thanks to the folks at YAHOO, you can simply and easily download their tool bar, designate your cause and then search search search.
Here's a new and easy way to raise money. Just start using GoodSearch.com as your search engine and online mall. Every time you search the Internet or make an online purchase at one of their partner merchants, GoodSearch makes a donation to your favorite nonprofit or school and it's powered by YAHOO! so you get great search results!
It is really simple. Go to www.goodsearch.com type in Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County then click verify and begin searching! Its that easy!
If you want to take it a step further click on the "Spread the Word" icon to get some great ideas like adding the GoodSeach toolbar to your browser or making GoodSearch your homepage.
The more people who convert from Google searchers to GoodSearch searchers the more funds your charity will receive. In fact, Yahoo designates 50% of its proceeds to the charity designated by the searcher.
It couldn't be any easier to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The hardest part is remembering not to type in "Google" but "GoodSearch.com" instead.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
HOW DO WE BULD A BETTER TEENAGER?
That's an age-old query faced by all youth development professionals. United Way of Manatee County partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County (BGCMC) yearly with supportive funding for TEENSupreme - the leadership and character-building approach to adolescent development researched and designed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
What works to promote a sense of well-being, academic achievement and a drive for self-development among teens has to appeal to their unique identity. Teens' lives are a complex mixture of challenges and opportunities. Teens have to develop the skills and tools needed to transition into adulthood. Strong, positive bonding relationships seem to hold the key - positive ties with parents, teachers, peers and Club staff make a material difference.
One of the scariest choices a teen has to make is the path to take toward a definite career choice. Schools even ask for a tentative commitment toward that career path by the end of 8th grade. Yes, some teens knew they want to be a doctor when they were in kindergarten, but the majority have no idea, even in high school.
Through our dedicated teens centers in the Bradenton, DeSoto and Palmetto Boys & Girls Clubs, the school-based Harlee Club and the Club at Southeast High School, our teens prepare for future careers. They learn job skills readiness, Money Matters, search out a world of career possibilities through www.careerlaunch.net, take field trips to colleges and training institutes and explore careers through hands-on job shadowing.
What works to promote a sense of well-being, academic achievement and a drive for self-development among teens has to appeal to their unique identity. Teens' lives are a complex mixture of challenges and opportunities. Teens have to develop the skills and tools needed to transition into adulthood. Strong, positive bonding relationships seem to hold the key - positive ties with parents, teachers, peers and Club staff make a material difference.
One of the scariest choices a teen has to make is the path to take toward a definite career choice. Schools even ask for a tentative commitment toward that career path by the end of 8th grade. Yes, some teens knew they want to be a doctor when they were in kindergarten, but the majority have no idea, even in high school.
Through our dedicated teens centers in the Bradenton, DeSoto and Palmetto Boys & Girls Clubs, the school-based Harlee Club and the Club at Southeast High School, our teens prepare for future careers. They learn job skills readiness, Money Matters, search out a world of career possibilities through www.careerlaunch.net, take field trips to colleges and training institutes and explore careers through hands-on job shadowing.
BGCA'S FIVE-POINT PLAN
BGCA(BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA) WILL PROVIDE TRAINING, PROGRAMS, RESOURCES AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, PASS THROUGH FUNDS TO HELP CLUBS:
1) Promote the Importance of High-School Graduation
1) Promote the Importance of High-School Graduation
- Clubs will create a culture in which members, especially those in middle and high school, their families, Club professionals and volunteers, all embrace the importance of high-school graduation.
- Clubs will develop comprehensive partnerships with their local school districts to help enhance academic success.
- Clubs will identify and recruit students who are falling behind in school and develop plans for improving their academic status.
- Clubs will train and retrain committed youth development staff to provide long-term continuity, support and informal guidance that is integral to high-school graduation; and implement targeted BGCA programs to address personal, academic, social and family-related obstacles to high school graduation (e.g. Power Hour,k Club Tech, Career Launch)
5) Track and Measure Success
- Clubs will work with their school districts to develop localized strategies for tracking the academic and social progress of Club members.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.BGCOFMANATEE.ORG
Sunday, June 15, 2008
IN MEMORY OF A GREAT MAN...TIM RUSSERT
The Boys & Girls Club Movement mourns the loss of legendary broadcast journalist Tim Russert, who died suddenly in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 13. Russert’s connection to our Movement was long, personal and enduring. He was a native of Buffalo, N.Y., where his father, Russ (immortalized in Tim’s best-selling “Big Russ and Me: Father and Son – Lessons of Life”) was a Club kid. The son never forgot what the Club did for his dad. Tim Russert showed his support for our Movement in a variety of ways. He served on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, D.C., and emceed the Club’s annual dinner – performing a similar duty in 2005 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Northeast Gala in New York. Russert often mentioned Boys & Girls Clubs as a worthy cause in his television appearances, and during one memorable on-air occasion made a bet with one of his guests. The guest, if he lost, would have to make a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs. Tim Russert was 58. He will be greatly missed.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Elements of Positive Youth Development
The 5 key elements of positive youth development are:
1) A safe , positive envirnoment. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee, club staff, facilites, program offerings and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members. The clubs provide structure and clearly defines acceptable behaviors.
2) Fun. Clubs generate fun for members. Members develop a stong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers. Staff members make the Club feel like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members.
3) Supportive Relationships. Club youth develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Staff members actively cultivate such relationships to ensure that every member feels connected to one or more adults and peers. Staff members demonstrates warmth, caring, appreciation, acceptance and proper guidance in their interactions with members.
4) Opportunities and expectations. Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. Clubs encourage members to develop moral character and behave ethically. Staff members establish and reinforce high expectations and help young people do well in school and pursue a post-secondary education.
5) Recognition. Clubs recongnize and affirm young people's self-worth and accomplishments. Staff members encourage youth and provide postive reinforcement as they make improvements and experience successes. The club showcases young people's achievements.
1) A safe , positive envirnoment. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee, club staff, facilites, program offerings and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members. The clubs provide structure and clearly defines acceptable behaviors.
2) Fun. Clubs generate fun for members. Members develop a stong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers. Staff members make the Club feel like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members.
3) Supportive Relationships. Club youth develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Staff members actively cultivate such relationships to ensure that every member feels connected to one or more adults and peers. Staff members demonstrates warmth, caring, appreciation, acceptance and proper guidance in their interactions with members.
4) Opportunities and expectations. Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. Clubs encourage members to develop moral character and behave ethically. Staff members establish and reinforce high expectations and help young people do well in school and pursue a post-secondary education.
5) Recognition. Clubs recongnize and affirm young people's self-worth and accomplishments. Staff members encourage youth and provide postive reinforcement as they make improvements and experience successes. The club showcases young people's achievements.
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