The Omaha Youth Leader Network has been in existence for a solid six to seven years. It has looked differently over time, but it keeps getting better and better. Our most recent gathering was both well attended and really helpful.
There are three of us that help to organize and lead our network, and as we were brainstorming what kind of content we could offer for the upcoming semester, we started talking about the concept of partnering with parents. It seems every youth leader is coming to the realization that the people who have the most impact in a student's life, is in fact their parents. And what better way to dive into this idea, than to talk with the parents themselves?!
We each committed to finding one parent from our respective circles to join us at our gathering over lunch when we usually meet. During the Sundays leading up to the event, I asked a handful of moms if they would be willing or available. As it turns out, they were either unwilling (not an "up front" person) or unavailable, and one other leader had their parent cancel a few days before the event. I made a quick call to another youth leader who was able to come up with two moms.
On the day of the event, those two moms and one dad bravely took the stage to share a little perspective, and answer some questions. It was an insightful and helpful discussion. It was also the largest group we had ever gathered at one time. I think there were several things at play:
- First, the parent panel was a draw.
- Second, we had been able to secure a free lunch because the local Christian college sponsored it.
- Three, our connection with the local college was expanding our network, so several folks from out of town had made the trip that day, some from up to two hours away.
- Finally, we had begun using our bulk email list again, so some people who weren't getting the Facebook group notifications, had become aware of what was happening with the network.
All in all it was a great day and the mission of the Omaha Youth Leader Network had been accomplished. "Connecting and equipping youth leaders to move the kingdom needle in Omaha."