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“It was very frustrating with the power that was stowed on to me to incarcerate juveniles,” Broddie recalls of his work as a probation officer. “Then I connected with the Boys & Girls Club to deliver program services for young people that prevented them from engaging in criminal acts. Three weeks later, I found myself as an employee of Boys & Girls Club of Washington, D.C.
Now in his 28th year with the Boys & Girls Club, Broddie couldn't be happier to have been a significant influence for so many young people throughout the region. And it's a reciprocal relationship. He often finds inspiration from those he serves. “The best day of my (professional) life was when Shawna Williams, from the Bywater Branch (in Annapolis), graduated from Clark Atlanta University (in 2001).” (Williams has been a club member since second grade and was inducted to the club's Hall of Inspiration in 2008.)
Broddie joined the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County in 1990. Since then, his leadership and vision has enabled the organization to expand to six county clubs that serve 2,500 youth annually with a wide variety of programs. Though he emphasizes the “it takes a village” approach to create opportunity, during his tenure as chief professional officer, the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County organization has raised more than $35 million. And tucked within this accomplishment is the 2007 opening of the new flagship headquarters, the 22,800- square-foot club in the Bates Heritage park complex.
“One of my professional challenges is to change the mindset of family and children to believe that they can achieve on the highest level,” says Broddie, who adds that empowering young people is a gift both from and to the club. “Once I am able to turn the corner on that challenge, it will help raise necessary dollars to continue to offer the very best programs and services.” Broddie, a Bowie State University graduate, now married and a father of two (daughter Marchelle, 24, and son Markus, 20), says family, togetherness, culture, and spirituality are what unite a community and help define the one he loves. “I love that we are a problem-solving community with problems, but we are not a problem community.
“I am one that does not believe in problems. I use a fundamental approach that speaks to the belief in challenges. You see, one treats a problem much different than a challenge. I am working very hard to inspire children and adults to commit to that same philosophy.”
And if we all follow Broddie's wisdom, our community will become all the more better.
