Inaugural BGCMA Summer Symposium: Brilliant at the Basics

 

On May 25, more than 300 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta staff members kicked off the summer with the Inaugural Summer Symposium. This event marked the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that staff were able to gather in person all together.  The symposium was an opportunity for professional development, fellowship and celebration.

The emcee for the symposium was none other than Karissa Jackson—a Youth Artist Mentor for teens at the Harland Club and a proud BGCMA alumna of the Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club, where she served as Youth of the Year in 2018. Before leaving the Blue Doors of the Boys & Girls Club, Karissa’s Club nominated her for an opportunity that made college a reality. Thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs by way of Beyonce and Jay Z’s BeyGOOD Initiative and Shawn Carter Foundation, Karissa was awarded a $100,000 scholarship for demonstrating a record of academic excellence.  She is currently a junior sociology major at Clark Atlanta University, where she continues to excel academically.

Karissa’s youthful voice brought high energy and pizzazz throughout the day. Her main task was guiding the crowd through a friendly roll call competition. Each Club and Department prepared a “team roll call” of up to 30 seconds.  These roll calls were all about expressing the innovation of their individual Clubs and departments and introducing themselves to the organization in a fun way. In the end, the A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys & Girls Club proved to be the crowd favorite–thanks to JaReese Arrington who blew everyone away with his improvisational dance moves. Honorable mentions included the Human Resources team, Programs & Operations team, Resource Development team, Purpose Built Clubs, and Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County.

A true highlight of the symposium was the recognition of staff members who lead the charge in BGCMA’s progress towards achieving our RISE 2025 strategic goals to (1&2) serve more kids, more often and with greater impact, (3) realize a strong financial position, (4) build diverse and effective leaders, and (5) promote a culture of equity & inclusion. Honors and recognition went to the following staff and Clubs:

Priority 1 Serve More Kids, More Often and Priority 2 Achieve Greater Impact

Highest Membership % to Goal [More Kids]

• Under 100 members:  At-Promise South Club
• 101–150 members: East Dekalb Club
• 151-200 members:  Henry County Club
• Above 200 members: Warren Club

Average Daily Attendance (% to Goal) [More Kids]

• Under 100 members: At-Promise South Club
• 101-150 members:  East Dekalb Club
• 151 – 200 members: Mimms Club
• Above 200 members: A. Worley Brown Club

Highest Frequency of Attendance [More Often]

• Under 100 members: CNG Club
• 101 – 150 members: Howard Warner Club
• 151-200 members: Jesse Draper Club
• Above 200 members: A. Worley Brown Club

Priority 2 Achieve Greater Impact with Kids 

Highest Club Experience Awards

• Paulding County Club
• Anderson Club
• Jesse Draper Club

Priority 3 Realize a Strong Financial Position 

• Make Money Moves Award
• Matthews Club
• Warren Club
• Coweta County Clubs
• Lawrenceville
• Harland Club

Priority 4 Build Diverse & Effective Leaders 

• LEAD Program

Priority 5 Promote a Culture of Equity & Inclusion 

• Mimms Club
• At-Promise West Club

After lunch, the symposium continued with a professional development session centered around getting “Brilliant at the Basics.” Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BGCMA has filled the gap for kids and families in this unprecedented, ever-changing climate.  And our work certainly isn’t done.  In breakout session, Clubs and departments discussed three big questions:

The day ended with an interactive activity, followed by an Atlanta Braves game.