A five-year strategic plan launched in 2000 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), Philadelphia, called for a dramatically expanded mission for the organization: By 2010, male a million mentoring matches between adults and the children who need them. While the national board set this aggressive agenda (see companion article "Brave New Board," starting on page 28), it is at the local agencies across the country--500 in all--that the hands-on work takes place. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is one of eight regional agencies identified by the national board to spearhead a pilot program focused on effective ways of delivering on the national goal of a million matches.
In an interview with ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT, Janice McKenzie-Crayton, president and CEO, BBBS of Metro Atlanta, shares the details of how the local agencies are creating a new delivery model that translates the vision of the national board into reality.
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT: How has the national board's message been conveyed to the local agencies as to developing a model by which BBBSA can achieve a million matches by 2010?
McKenzie-Crayton: What is happening nationally is very much supported and embraced at the local level. While we do set our own agenda and pursue goals based on the needs of our community, we know that our key activity nationally and locally--this thing called mentoring--is phenomenal. It really does make a difference for children and ultimately for the community.
Many of us have been grappling for some time with the idea that, "if this is so good, how do we get in the hands of more?" In recent years our new national leadership has begun to lead this charge. In past times, many of the good ideas bubbled up from the local agencies, so now--from the national office--there is a refreshing, energizing, and articulate interpretation of the goals that relate to how we need to operate locally. If there's a formula to this, we're thinking that about 18 …
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий