BGC staff attend Indigenous Connections Native Track
Boys and Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe CEO, Bruce LeClaire; PT Program Aide, Dawrence Romero; and Behavioral Coordinator, Lilliana Baker attended the 118th Boys & Girls Clubs of American National Conference in Atlanta, Ga. in May 15-17.
LeClaire participated in a focus group of Native CEOS to review BGCA’s “Future Ready – Agenda for Collective Impact” designed to provide feedback from a Native Club perspective. He is also a Co-chair for the Indigenous Connections Movement Resource Group (MRG).
“I was surprised and honored be presented with a “Recognition of Exemplary Service” plaque from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark,” LeClaire said. The presentation was made during a special luncheon for senior BGCA leaders.
LeClaire attended the Movement 2050 Reception, a group of national staff and CEOs from across the country, which he joined in 2021. Additionally he was invited join a special group of innovators in a new BGCA leadership forum by Misty Miller, Senior Vice President, Organizational Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Movement 2050 was charged with helping BGC think ahead about the future of the Boys & Girls Club Movement.
“I believe this group of cutting-edge Movement leaders could literally solve any problem – and I look forward to working closely with you in the coming year to do just that,” Miller said.
“I enjoy representing the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on a National Level, the staff enjoyed visiting the National Headquarters,” LeClaire said. “Highlights included seeing Usher, Alan Iverson and coach Dawn Staley.” Usher and Iverson were both inducted into the BGC Hall of Fame, each having been Club members in their youth.
BGC staff attended the MRG Reception at BGCA National Headquarters in addition to the One-day Native Track seminar, Building Your Personal Brand, while meeting with tribal leaders, board members, CEOs and staff from Native Clubs from across the country. Staff also attended the General Sessions, Training Sessions, the Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Grand Finale Celebration.
“The 2024 Boys & Girls Club National Conference was an awesome event, the General Sessions were inspiring and there were many great sessions to choose from,” LeClaire said. “It was great to reconnect and make new friends.” There were over 3,000 attendees at this year’s National Conference.