News Updates

Building Community with “The Huddle”

Published on June 20th, 2016 in Margaret Donnelly O'Connor Education Center

Everyone has bad days. Some more than others. On days like that, support from our peers is crucial. However, it isn’t always easy to express this to those around you in a safe way. This need for a safe time for our kids, staff, and volunteers to express themselves and say where they’re at has led to the addition of a new activity which marks the beginning of each day at Homework Club: The Huddle.

Education Director Steve Axberg and JV Corey Hubbard participated in a workshop presented by a Camden-based nonprofit called Hopeworks. A team of young adults showed us how to implement changes in our program to create a better sense of community. One of the main aspects of their presentation was “The Huddle.” In this exercise, each person in the group asks and answers these four questions:

1.) How do you feel right now?

2.) How do you want to feel at the end of the day?

3.) What is your goal today?

4.) Who can help you reach your goal?

This gives everyone an opportunity to see how you’re doing emotionally. At first, most of our kids felt it was strange and weren’t very supportive of it. However, as time has passed more and more kids are seeing the benefit of this open communication. Some are even practicing it at home! This simple activity can create better communication and build stronger relationships.