It is said that our past experiences shape our approach to the here and now and can influence our view of the future too, well it has certainly been true for me. Recently I came across this saying that caused me to think.

In October, we celebrated our 140th birthday, an incredible achievement. Through periods of significant social change, including two world wars and two pandemics, The Boys’ Brigade has been a constant, providing generations of children and young people a safe space, opportunities to learn new skills, and the encouragement to live “life to the full”. 

The past is in your head. The future is in your hands.”

We are certainly shaped by our experiences, I have spoken before about the positive impact the leaders in my BB Company had on me as a teenager and young leader, and one in particular named Richard. It demonstrated to me the powerful impact and value of volunteering and why the work of organisations such as The Boys’ Brigade have an important contribution to play in communities across the country and led me to commit my time as a volunteer. Investing time and energy in supporting young people is both essential and rewarding.

Never underestimate the impact you have as a volunteer on the lives of children and young people, so often it is not something we see, and when we do, maybe when meeting a former member and hearing their story, it gives us a renewed sense of enthusiasm to keep going.

I am delighted that we will be launching a “BB Alumni” and in our preparations to set this up, have been encouraged by the stories of how the experience of being in The Boys’ Brigade has made such a significant difference in so many lives. You will find more information about the Alumni scheme on pages 6-9.

As part of our current strategy to improve the quality and consistency of experience for children and young people we have also commissioned independently led consultations around the volunteer led layer of our organisational support structure and about inclusion in its widest sense. In the coming months we will be consulting with leaders on our strategy for working with girls and young women too. 

Central to these consultations is reflecting on our experience to help shape the actions for the future, and the outputs from these initiates will be shared with leaders and will be integral to our next five-year strategy. 

As I write this welcome, I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah 29:11:

Honouring the past and cherishing memories from our life experiences is important, and so too is having an eye on the future. It is about being prepared to take action, to get involved, to play our part in the plan God has for each of us individually and for us as an organisation, as we look to inspire a generation of young people both now and in the future. 

As we think ahead to the new session, let’s dare to imagine the possibilities that lie before us, and the movement we strive to be as we approach our 150th anniversary!        

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to proposer you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

With thanks for all you are doing.