Club Director Georden Burton Teaches Members to “Share the Love”

Club Director Georden Burton, who is an alum of the very Club he directs today, has made it his personal mission to teach Club kids to “Share the Love” — a motto that he first learned from his mother, Patti, who was a teacher at the adjacent Highland Elementary School for 20 years. The importance of this message truly resonated with him after he lost his younger brother Garrett to gun violence 16 years ago. Georden didn’t get a chance to tell Garrett that he loved him before he died, so now he tells the people in his life that he loves them every day, to ensure that he does not miss that opportunity again.

Mural created by local artist, Jeremy Javis

The “Share the Love” chant, which has been adopted by all sixty-five members at the J. Ashburn Jr. Boys & Girls Club, encourages young people to treat others with love and kindness, and support one another. The chant was eventually expanded to include “protect the peace.” The latter part of the chant reminds members that the Club is a safe, welcoming place where all youth can feel comfortable and respected, even when they may have disagreements. Mr. Georden, along with the talented and dedicated staff at “The Ash,” have emphasized to their members the importance of involving an adult when conflict arises.

Rather than arguing and “fighting it out,” the staff help members talk it out, reflect on their actions and behaviors, apologize for wrong doings, and go back to “Sharing the Love.” As a result of implementing this simple yet effective framework, the Club culture experienced a dramatic shift – one that Mr. Georden hopes will continue to resonate throughout the Hilltop community. Says Georden, “Life can be challenging to navigate at times, and especially for youth in this neighborhood. I’ve learned how to use rain to water other people’s flowers and try my best to teach our Club kids the importance of doing the same. Because the changes we want to see in the future start with the seeds that we plant today.”

When members of the J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse were asked to choose a theme for a giant mural that would hang on the exterior of their Club, they knew exactly what to do – build on the success of their Club’s “Share the Love” motto to help spread love and kindness in the Hilltop neighborhood.

The mural, created by local Columbus artist Jeremy Jarvis through a grant funded by The Greater Columbus Arts Council, Columbus City Council, and Franklin County Board of Commissioners, radiates a powerful message of encouragement, hope, and unity through its bold words, “You Are Loved.” Club Director Georden Burton says, “In a community that experiences a multitude of hardships, the message of “You Are Loved” is a well needed pick-me-up for our youth and residents alike. It is a daily reminder that they are valued, and that we are here to support them on their journey to reaching their full potential.”