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NATCHEZ — Sunday, Feb. 16, is the application deadline for anyone interested in becoming part of the Board of Directors for a newly reformed Boys & Girls Clubs of Natchez-Adams County.

The new club chapter is still a little way from becoming fully organized and hosting activities for youth here, said Greg West, who has championed efforts to reestablish a Boys and Girls Club in Natchez.

Finding a place for it, which will be at the former Robert Lewis Middle School, is only the first step, West said. He added, “First we have to organize a board, raise money, hire staff and then decide when to start. It’s going to be a minute.”

Applications are now being accepted from anyone interested in being part of the local chapter’s Board of Directors. The deadline to fill out the form is Sunday, Feb. 16.

Click here to view the application form.

To be a board member, the participant must agree to an annual personal investment of $500 as well as raise $1000 or more in Club Sponsors — or $2,000 in Club Sponsors if the participant cannot pay $500.

The participant must also attend half of the regular Unit Board of Directors meetings or five of nine regular meetings. They also agree to help raise funds for the Club’s Annual Fundraiser and volunteer to help as needed; provide $100 for lunch once each year or provide the board lunch once per year if needed; attend the Annual Board Retreat or MS Boys & Girls Club Area Council for board training; and serve on at least one committee. These include:

• Operations – safety, personnel, staff/staff development, programs and evaluations
• Resource development – planned giving, fundraisers/banquets, budget and finance
• Support services – board development, planning, marketing, youth development, faith and religion
• Management services – facilities, legal, audit and insurance

Click here to view the Boys and Girls Club Code of Ethics.

Those who are unable to fulfill the requirements of a board member, but would still like to serve on a committee and help area youth in that capacity should also complete the application form by Feb. 16.

The Boys and Girls Club aims to create education, workforce and character development opportunities for area youth. More than a decade ago, a local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club serviced over 200 area youth at the former Margaret Martin School.

“I have long been a believer in what Boys and Girls Clubs can do to enrich the lives of our children,” Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson has said. “I applaud the efforts of everyone working to make this a reality here in Natchez. I look forward to enthusiastically supporting this endeavor, and I encourage everyone who longs to see more opportunities and resources for our children to get behind them.”

For more information or to request or turn in an application form, contact West at 601-431-8991 or email saintgregory7@aol.com.