Bridge Builders helps to expand leadership skill

Bridges has been working with young people in Memphis for more than 90 years. Today, with its Bridge Builders program, Bridges inspires thousands of youths from different socio-economic backgrounds across the Mid-South each year, helping them appreciate differences, strengthen leadership and individuality and encourage them to work for change in their communities. They are empowered to reach across, lead the way and build our community.

Bennett Matson, 13, attends St. George’s Independent School where he serves on the student senate as seventh-grade class president. Since his experience at a Collabortate conference last summer, Bennett says he’s continually trying to use the skills he’s learned as a Bridge Builder to serve his classmates. How did Bridge Builders transform you? It taught me that there are a lot of different types of leadership styles in the world. For example, there are loud leaders that get their ideas out there so everyone can elaborate on it and work to make it better, quiet leaders that listen to the ideas and think about different solutions, and the follower who has enough courage to stand by an idea and implement it. All of these types of leadership are needed to be successful.

What is something you learned about your fellow Bridge Builders that surprised you?

One thing that stands out is our diversity. We are all unique and come from different backgrounds and have different skill sets to bring to the equation. This diversity makes our group stronger and more successful.

What did you learn about yourself that most surprised you?

I learned that I am the type of person who wants to explore new and different ways of approaching solutions. I really enjoy hearing other’s ideas and finding a way that we can work together to be successful.

If you had the opportunity to address any Memphis leader, who would it be and what would you say to them?

I would like to address Rep. Steve Cohen, if possible. I would tell him that they need to find a way to compromise up in Washington. He needs to take a leadership role in bringing change so that Congress can better represent the American people.

What change can you and others like you bring about today?

I am an optimist. I truly believe that if we work together in Bridge Builders, we can accomplish amazing things. We can reach out to St. George’s Independent School student Bennett Matson serves on the student senate. He uses the skills he’s learned as a Bridge Builder to serve his classmates. teenagers from all social and economic backgrounds to implement programs and provide opportunities to improve all of our lives.

John Gaskill oversees communications for Bridges.