As part of the Impact 2012 strategic plan set forth for the Movement, families are an increasingly more important part of Club life. Accordingly, Boys & Girls Clubs of America hosted the National Family Support Symposium in Atlanta, Ga., November 5-7, 2007, promoting the theme, “Developing Youth by Strengthening Families.” Funded by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the symposium was attended by over 300 Club professionals, parents and presenters from around the world.

Sessions were offered within five key areas:

• Family Dynamics – involving parents and caregivers in the positive development of youth
• Health – promoting children’s physical well-being and ensuring that they can participate fully in Club activities
• Education – actively engaging parents and caregivers in their children’s academic success
• Risk Factors – understanding how gangs, drugs and violence affect the family unit
• Community Collaborations – identifying local and national resources for parents and caregivers

Participants engaged in a variety of workshops, sessions and activities that included an opening event at the Georgia Aquarium, a captivating presentation by 2007 National Youth of the Year Demetrice Tuttle, and phenomenal keynote speakers including Peter Goldberg, President and CEO of the Alliance for Children and Families, the Honorable Judge Glenda Hatchett, Michael Dorn, international authority on youth safety concerns and Judith J. Pickens, Senior Vice President of Program & Youth Development Service

As this symposium was described as an “amazing” event by Cami Alexander of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and by those in attendance, we are looking forward to the next National Family Support Symposium in 2009!