October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

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Engage a generation A Good Start NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BATTALION was asked if we would like to pilot a localised development campaign as part of the ‘Engage a Generation’ initiative. We had a real desire to be involved in the campaign and were delighted to be asked to move forward with this bold, proactive approach to developing the work of The Boys’ Brigade. In considering it, we felt there was a very clear process that we would need to follow to achieve our objectives. • Support from existing groups • Ideas and support from chaplains • Local Publicity • Research • Send churches information about the diversity of The Boys’ Brigade today • Contact to arrange a face to face meeting • Meet to promote the work of The Boys’ Brigade as relevant to their youth work We were aware of how important the support and encouragement of all our existing groups and volunteers would be to the success or failure of the pilot. We wanted everyone to know that whilst we were committed to exploring new groups and new ways of working, that was not to the neglect of our established groups. We also invited chaplains from existing companies to come to a conference and their input and constructive feedback was useful in moving forward. We realised we needed to ‘engage’ with the media and use it to our advantage as much as possible. By attracting press coverage for the project, through articles in local newspapers and through a broadcast on local BBC Radio, we were able to get some excellent exposure and the feedback we subsequently received highlighted the effectiveness of using local media. The purpose of our research was to establish a mailing list of churches, strategically chosen from a set of clear criteria: Churches where there had been a BB group in the past, where there was girls’ work but no boys’ group and finally, in areas of the county where the BB was under-represented. Once we had our list, packs were sent containing information, a DVD and a letter advising that we would be contacting them to discuss the possibility of meeting with them. However, key volunteers were needed to make these phone calls and some training was needed to prepare them for some of the questions or responses they might get. The purpose of the calls was to arrange a face to face meeting not to have the conversation on the phone! page 104 • VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006
We were able to arrange six face to face meetings with church leaders from several different areas and denominations. A return of 10% on the packs we sent out, which we felt was successful. At the meetings we were able to share the strengths of The Boys’ Brigade in a very real way; our ability to reach young people who the church might have had difficulty; our resources, training and the support network; a national organisation with 123 years of experience working with children and young people. The meetings were the start of an on-going dialogue with the church leadership about their churches youth work and all were very positive. We are confident that we will have at least one new group starting next session in an area where the BB, historically, has never had any representation. The whole process was a great opportunity to break down any misconceptions ministers may have had about The Boys’ Brigade The process is still very much on-going but we are committed to it and we have made a good start! What would William Smith do IAM WRITING THIS ARTICLE the week before Brigade Council. By the time you read this, important decisions about our future will have been made. Over the past few weeks, many have been keen to share their views on these matters and this has prompted me to write as I do today. I remember my first BB Display as a thirteen year old awaiting the award of my first badges. I had learned the motto, object, basic facts about the Founder and had practised receiving awards. The Inspecting Officer was a Battalion Vice President and after presenting the awards and complimenting the Company, he then went on to tell this story: A visiting local preacher accompanied by his daughter was preaching at a chapel in the Yorkshire Dales. As he arrived he noticed in the porch a collecting box which was labelled, “For the visiting preacher’s expenses”. He put in 25p (I was thirteen a long time ago) and went on to take the service. As he was leaving the steward called him to one side and told him that there was always a collection for the preacher’s expenses. The steward opened the box and gave the preacher the contents – 25p. The preacher didn’t comment, thanked the steward and went on his way. On his way home his daughter looked at him and said, “Dad, If you’d put more in, you’d have got more out.” The analogy was then made as is always the case on such occasions with BB life – the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. The Inspecting Officer then added that this is what the Founder would want us do. This was the first time that I had heard anyone state what William Smith thought or would think about the present day. Since that time and especially more recently I have met many people keen to espouse the mind of WAS. Interestingly the views expressed are often diametrically opposed; one person telling me that WAS would think one thing and another telling me the direct opposite. Often it seems that individuals use the spirit of WAS to promote their own views. I think we live with danger if we try to relate our reaction to the situations facing young people in the 21st century to that facing the Founder in the closing years of the Victorian era which undoubtedly influenced his thinking. When I am asked, “What would William Smith do today” I have to be honest and say I don’t know. But from my readings of the Founder’s own words I do know that he did indeed put more in, that he was deeply concerned for individuals, and that his sole motivation was his Christian Faith and his desire to share it. It is clear that the Founder created an organisation that was fit for purpose, that served its objectives and because of this was rapidly taken up by those facing the same challenges. We today need to ensure that The Boys’ Brigade is fit for purpose. This will mean going back to our basic core principles and from that defining the methods of delivery that are most effective. That doesn’t mean change for change sake, but a constant evaluation to ensure that we are giving our very best to the young people in our care. Isn’t that what Sir William would have wanted Or, have I fallen into the same trap VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006 • page 105
Page 1 and 2: The official quarterly journal of T
Page 3 and 4: Contents Special Features Brigade C
Page 5 and 6: Brigade Council Report 2006 Brigade
Page 7 and 8: Brigade announcements Brigade annou
Page 9: International Junior Section Team G
Page 13 and 14: Here and there Here and there Irish
Page 15 and 16: Commendations Commendations PRESIDE
Page 17 and 18: Anchors’ Christmas Activities Pro
Page 21 and 22: Juniors’ Christmas Activities Pro
Page 23 and 24: Chaplain’s corner Chaplain’s co
Page 25 and 26: from that week was the conversation
Page 27 and 28: 1st Knocknamuckley Company Spotligh
Page 29 and 30: English Athletics Championships The
Page 31 and 32: THIS AUTUMN, why not invite your bo
Page 33 and 34: Visit to Cameroon “Those who oppr
Page 35 and 36: Small ads Small ads Small ads Small
Page 37 and 38: Price List: Weekends from £33 Long

October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

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