Clubs Making Virtual Connections
Bright participates in the first virtual State Youth of the Year competition.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond are creating virtual 'Club' experiences to stay connected to our families during this extended Stay at Home period. From leadership skills training to fun social activities, they are utilizing the power of technology to provide youth development programming.
"We know that our families and kids need us now more than ever, " said Todd McFarlane, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond. “When the Stay at Home shutdown went into effect, our Clubs quickly reimagined ways to stay connected and deliver our programs and services in a virtual environment.”
For instance, The Teen Team, sends a daily program calendar to its members with staff-facilitated activities offered at different times throughout the day. The staff is using technology such as Zoom and Seesaw to lead"Teen Talk" sessions, goLEAD programming (Generation On Leadership, Education, and Development), and group exercises.
“Unfortunately, technology is not accessible for all of our families, so we need all the help we can get so more of our members can participate in the virtual Club experience.”
For Bright, 2020 BGCMR Youth of the Year, lessons and activities were customized to meet her specific needs. Bright was paired with mentors from Podium Foundation and an executive coach as well as online resources to prepare her for virtual interviewing and public speaking.
"This has been such a great experience. I'm networking and getting to meet people I may have never met. The reason I liked working with mentors so much is that I know I can use all of the things they teach me when I go to college and when I open my own restaurant business one day," said Bright.
Without internet access at home, Bright competes at BGCMR’s teen space at the Market @ 25th.
Through a partnership with NextUp, online lessons and activities are customized for the youth of Albert Hill Middle School. Students are practicing their creativity and developing their computer programming skills, according to NextUp Program Director Tamika Brown.
Several Clubs also are providing digital mindfulness exercises, stress-relieving practices, and fitness challenges.
Chevonne Booker, Senior Program Director, hosts a virtual birthday party for Club members born in April.
“Delivering virtual experiences does not come without challenges,” added McFarlane. He noted that the staff has been working hard, troubleshooting obstacles, such as limited home internet access and a lack of tools many of our families can't afford.
According to Jade Tabb, Southside Club teen coordinator, constant mentorship has been a vital part of engaging their members. However, access is essential to help youth continue to develop, discover their interests and strengthen their learning skills during the pandemic.
Said Tabb, "Unfortunately, technology is not accessible for all of our families, so we need all the help we can get so more of our members can participate in the virtual Club experience."