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If you are:
- Part of an existing Big Brothers Big Sisters agency interested in starting a new Boys and Girls Club as part of your organization, or
- Part of an existing Boys and Girls Club interested in starting a new Big Brothers Big Sisters program as part of your organization,
you are likely wondering about a number of issues that are specific to adding the new program or club to your organization’s menu of services. For instance, will one insurance policy cover all your services? Will you have to change the name of your organization? Will you need two different volunteer screening processes?
Or, if you are:
- Part of an existing Big Brothers Big Sisters agency interested in working in a deeper partnership, or even merging, with a Boys and Girls Club, or
- Part of an existing Boys and Girls Club interested in working in a deeper partnership, or even merging, with a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency,
you are likely to have similar questions related to how your services can work together best30. For instance, whose policies will guide a joint program? Do you have to meet the standards and requirements of both national organizations?
This chapter discusses such questions that may be “buzzing” in your head. It also suggests other questions that should be buzzing in your head. But, before turning to these questions, there are three cautions.
First, it is easy to assume that, because Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other community organizations share similar values and serve similar client groups, a new Big Brothers Big Sisters program or Boys and Girls Club, will be a simple “add-on” to your existing organization. It is also easy to assume that a joint venture between an existing Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and Boys and Girls Club is a simple melding of two related organizations. It is not necessarily that straightforward. Failing to take into account the differences that do exist, and neglecting to plan for transitions, could lead to resistance, complications and even the downfall of the new program, club or venture. Remember that change is difficult for most of us.
Second, and on the other hand, be careful that you do not overstate the differences. It is easy to become trapped in the issues of name, history, and national affiliation. These are challenges to be faced and resolved, not insurmountable obstacles to acting differently.
Finally, we caution you that there are not necessarily conclusive answers to all the questions posed below. Each community will have its own unique response to these issues31. What makes sense in one community may not work in a different area, and what works at one time in that community may have to be changed as time passes and circumstances shift.
We turn now to pose some questions that you should raise and deal with as you create your program plan32. The questions are organized around several areas of functioning that are important for you to address in developing a sustainable program or club: funds; people resources; marketing; standards and best practices; potential risks; program evaluation and ongoing learning; and collaborative relationships33.
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