Questions & Answers

Q&A

Q: When it comes to changing membership requirements, how do we ensure we respect and retain our federated model?

A: As you read on page 22, the Affiliate Membership Task Force, a group of nearly 30 Club leaders who represent a diverse group of organizations, and a committee of our National Board of Governors recommended revising and updating our Constitution and its membership requirements. Your input this year, combined with the efforts of these groups, will simplify, clarify, strengthen and ultimately modernize our requirements. As a Movement, our federated model is a necessity to how we operate and is core to how this work is approached – from the group driving it, to weekly incorporation of Movement feedback, to a vote to move any proposed changes forward. The goal of these enhancements is not to change the governance structure between Clubs and BGCA, but to modernize standards that use ambiguous language and create clear, sustainable requirements. This work will also introduce a cadence of review to ensure these standards stay current and relevant moving forward. A portion of the updated Constitution and its requirements will come to a vote at the May 2020 National Council meeting. In the meantime, there are ample opportunities to provide input and learn more about these changes at BGCA.net/ProposedRequirements. This revision is being undertaken with care and respect for our federated model and asks that all of us be accountable partners when it comes to creating strong, safe Clubs. Q: Why are Youth Development Institutes going away? What will replace them?

A: As mentioned in the Improving Program Quality section, Youth Development Institutes, or YDIs, will no longer be conducted by your national office; however, training events like these will be conducted locally, supported by the new National Trainers Initiative. This initiative embeds certified trainers in local organizations, allowing the certified trainer access to conduct numerous trainings. Your national office’s training team will provide support, resources and coaching to local trainers to conduct training events like YDI in your organizations and in collaboration with others. Key benefits for Clubs include more access to facilitators and trainings; more professional development opportunities; and enhanced facilitation techniques that increase organizational capacity, increase program quality and improve the Club Experience for youth and teens. Your national training team is committed to delivering accessible, enjoyable learning experiences for Club teams that are designed to maximize impact for your Club and members. If you are interested in becoming a certified trainer please email training@BGCA.org or visit BGCA.net/NTI. See page 13 for a list of trainers, and visit BGCA.net/NTI to bring a trainer to your organization.

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