Better Together – a message from Ross Tyson, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton

Many in our community of stakeholders will have already heard our exciting news: Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton is amalgamating with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area to form Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area Society.  This union was official on July 1st.

Two years ago, our entire sector was looking at how organizations could become even more efficient and effective. For years Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton and Big Brothers Big Sisters had been working together through a number of programs, including Club Connect. We recognized that many of our needs were similar and that our programs targeted the same audience; the children and youth of Edmonton. It looked very much like we could do more together than apart.

And so began our discussions, first on a macro level of governance and administration. Finding no overwhelming barriers to the concept, staff were asked to question each other and respond at a program level. “What do we need to meet the needs in our community?” and “How can we do it better?” Following over 400 hours of work, these questions and answers served to solidify the original hypothesis – we can do more together than apart.

The next step: presenting the evidence to the two Boards. It is not easy to give up control of an organization you are passionate about, and believe me, both boards were passionate, but, they too had to agree – we can do more together than apart.

Government and other major funders also recognized the benefits of amalgamating the two organizations and have encouraged this move. They have confirmed that our three main purposes (out of school activities, mentorship and safe places) meet their criteria for better communities and agree – we can do more together than apart.

And so now we launch a new beginning. Liz O’Neill will continue as Executive Director and I will take on the role of Assistant Executive Director. Programs will continue as we work together to integrate services. Children and youth in Edmonton will have access to safe places and caring relationships that will help to enhance their lives and guide their futures.

On behalf of our new organization, I thank the Boards and staff of both BGCE and BBBSE; you made possible this organizational breakthrough, a move being watched and monitored across the country. And I thank you, our volunteers, donors and funders. We look forward to many more years of partnering with you to provide the best of services so children and youth in Edmonton have the supports they need to continue to grow into resilient, contributing members of our community.

If you have any questions, or would simply like to discuss this move, please do not hesitate to contact me (P. 780 422 6038 E. rtyson@bgce.ca) or Liz O’Neill (P. 780.424.8181 ext 238 E. liz.oneill@bigbrothersbigsister.ca).  We would love to hear from you.