More than 75 representatives of Boys & Girls Clubs across Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn Tuesday for a day of professional development designed to make them more effective leaders.
The purpose of the training is to provide skill-building and networking opportunities, according to Karen MacDonald, the Director of Organizational Development for the Boys & Girls Club of America in the Northeast region.
“Our mission is to enable all kids to realize their full potential,” MacDonald said. “We want our professionals trained and ready to meet that mission.”
MacDonald said the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn is an example of a club that values professional development as a means of having a staff that is fully equipped to meet the needs of its members.
The Yankee Chapter, the Boys & Girls Club’s local division of the national professional association, is chaired by Grace Duran, Associate Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn. Duran welcomed attendees, who included executive directors and program directors in various areas – athletics, education, art, operations, licensed child care – from more than 20 clubs.
After an ice-breaking exercise, the program started with a panel of five Boys & Girls Club executive directors – moderated by Jennifer Aldworth, executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and including Brian Therrien of the Lynn club. Panelists were asked to share a few of their leadership principles.
“Have the right mentors and learn from people who are successful,” Therrien said, adding that effective time management is also critical. “Give the staff the trust to do right by the kids.”
Andrea Howard, executive director of the West End House Boys & Girls Club in Boston, urged attendees to utilize all resources available to them.
“When you don’t know something, ask someone for help,” she said. “Don’t pretend to know how to do it.”
Andrea Swain, Chief Impact Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, said, “Find mentors to challenge you and hold you accountable. Diversify your skill set.”
The panel discussion was followed by two breakout groups: Building Leadership Success, led by Gregin Doxsee, founding owner of Spark Training, and Family Engagement, led by Darby Connolly, program and camp director at the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn.
Topics of discussion included cultivating cohesive effective teams, exploring leadership potential, building collaborative relationships with families, and enhancing communication.
“We are very pleased to take a leadership role among other clubs in the region and beyond,” Therrien said. “Having this event at our club is a reflection of the work we do to provide the maximum opportunities for our kids, as well as the strong leadership role Grace has within the Yankee Chapter.”
