On Nov. 12, several Kennesaw PRSSA members had the amazing opportunity to tour the national headquarters of the Boys and Girls Club of America. On this visit, our members were able to learn more about BGCA and hear from multiple guest speakers on a multitude of topics. This visit was not only informative for our members, but empowering and inspirational to hear how much each guest speaker cares for the initiatives set forth at the BGCA.
The tour was led by former KSU PRSSA President, Christian Gehrke, who now works at the BGCA and spoke to our members about the BGCA and its mission. The BGCA is a nonprofit organization that enables and values young lives. Through programs pertaining to education, arts, health and wellness, workforce realness, and character and leadership, the BGCA strives to empower and create great futures for young people. Some of the other topics our members were able to hear about included the importance of internships, the power of partnerships, PR and branding, social media, and the power of storytelling.
Our members were also treated to an HQ tour led by some of the wonderful guest speakers. Hearing from specialists that currently work for the BGCA not only empowered and informed our members on a multitude of topics, but also gave them in an inside look at the communication aspects within a nonprofit organization.
Although this visit was informative when it came to communication and PR techniques within a nonprofit organization, many of our members left this visit feeling empowered thanks to the last guest speaker, Frank Sanchez. Sanchez is the National Vice President of Sports, Entertainment, and Community Affairs at BGCA, and spoke to our members of the power of storytelling. Throughout his speech, he shared advice surrounding the topic of storytelling and personal branding, but maybe none as important as “being comfortable in fear.” Sanchez’s speech struck a chord with a majority of our members, leaving many of them feeling inspired and ready to join in the mission of the BGCA.
Every member from Kennesaw PRSSA that attended this visit left remembering and feeling something for the BGCA cause, and we cannot thank their headquarters enough. Thank you to everyone at the BGCA for your hospitality, all the guest speakers that shared their wisdom and encouragement with our members, and Christian Gehrke for allowing us a sneak peek into nonprofit PR life. It was a visit and an experience no one will ever forget, and we will forever be grateful for!