(C) Wed Feb 10 14:40:15 EST 1999 Venturing Crew 369
Institutional Representatives in Youth Mentor Programs
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How to start Youth Mentor Programs within your
company utilizing Boy Scouts of America's Venturing
and Exploring Program
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The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to serve others by
helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to
prepare them to make ethical decisions over their lifetime in
achieving their full potential.
In fulfilling this mission, Exploring's purpose is to provide
experiences to help young people mature at this stage in their lives
and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers
are ready to examine the meaning of interdependence in their
relationships with other youth, Advisors, and the community.
Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between
community organizations and the youth in that community. Local
community organizations initiate specific Explorer Posts, and they
do this by matching the people and program recourses within their own
organizations to the interests of young people in the surrounding
community. The result is a program of activities that help the youth
pursue their special interest, grow, and develop.
1.1 The Youth Mentor Program has four specific goals,
Youth Should
1. Gain practical experience in a career, special
interest, leadership, or skill.
2. Engage in a program of activities centered on
the six experience areas (Career/Leadership, Service,
Social Interaction, Fitness, and the Outdoors) to
encourage the development of the whole person.
3. Experience positive leaders and be given
opportunities to take on leadership roles
4. Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive,
caring, and fun environment
Networking with business and education. Training future employees.
Keeping students in school. Promoting higher education. Improving the
awareness and image of career opportunities while supporting the
community.
1. Voluntary association between youth and adults.
Because Exploring is voluntary, youth are receptive to new
ideas, experiences, and relationships. For the Explorer,
these relationships provide care, a connection to new ways of
thinking and acting, and a new identity as a responsible
young adult.
2. Ethical Decision Making.
By asking young people to be responsible for themselves,
for a program of activities and experiences, and for other
people, Exploring provides numerous opportunities for
decision making and ethical choices. With the influence of
capable adults and structured activities, youth learn to make
effective and ethical decisions.
3. Group Activity.
Exploring activities are interdependent group experiences
in which success depends on the cooperation of all.
4. Recognition of achievement. This recognition might
come through formal awards, but it also is achieved through
the acknowledgment by peers and adults of the young person's
competence and ability.
5. Democratic process.
Exploring provides exposure to democratic ideals and skills
that are needed throughout life.
6. Curiosity, exploration, and adventure.
Exploring provides new experiences, opportunities for
developing new skills, and meaningful participation in
action-oriented activities.
You have agreed to be the Unit Institutional Representative, what is
the first step:
4.1 Ask for volunteers
It is understood that as the Institutional Representative of
your company you do not have the time to do all the tasks.
Therefore, it becomes to necessary to delegate responsibility.
It is amazing how many adults are willing to assist the youth
of our community.
The first step is to send out a note either via company
E-Mail or by paper mail asking for volunteers. The following
is a sample not to mail out:
Subject: Youth Mentor Programs
Company Name is forming three youth mentor programs
[Career Youth Mentor Programs]:
- Secretarial
- Office Automation
- System Administration
These coeducational programs will be for students 14 (and in
high school) and not yet 20 years of age. It will be open to
all Central Ohio students (both high school and college) with
first choice being given to Company Name staff members'
children.
Unit meetings will be held every Wednesday
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These Youth Mentor Programs will have
access to the Company Name facilities. The actual youth
mentor program is still in the planning stages and will be
heavily influenced by its Advisor, Associate Advisor, and
Consultants.
A training program for our Adult Volunteers is being developed
in joint cooperation with Company Name, and
Successful Unit Number.
We are currently looking for 3 staff members to volunteer
to be the Advisors, one for each program, and 6 Associate
Advisors, two for each program. Consultants are brought
on-board to teach specialized classes as needed. Also, we
need someone that would like to be the Committee Chairman
for this program.
If you are interested in volunteering for this program or
would like your student to be a member please e-mail
(1) X@Company-Name.com
There will be a meeting for those interested in becoming an
Adult Volunteers on December, X 1998 10:00 a.m. where you can
ask questions.
I look forward to working with you over the coming years,
Big Wig
4.2 What to do with the volunteers' Names
Have someone collect the volunteers' names, phone numbers, etc.
This is usually the Institutional Representatives secretary.
The secretary only collects the names and information. S/he
does not contact the volunteers and/or answers their questions.
The secretary gives the volunteers' information to the Boy
Scouts of America District Executive. The District Executive
then asks the Institutional Representative to supply a meeting
facility during business hours to meet with the volunteers'
4.3 First Volunteer Meeting
4.3.1 Institutional Representatives Roles
The Institutional Representative's secretary has already set
up meeting facilities. The secretary sends out E-Mail or notes
to the volunteers of the date and time.
The Institutional Representative opens the meeting and explains
why their company is starting Youth Mentor Programs and how
this will benefit the community and employees' children.
The Institutional Representative introduces the District
Executive and any of the District Committee that has come to
assist.
The Institutional Representative may stay for the rest of the
meeting or leave at this time.
4.3.2 District Executive's Roles
The District Executive will explain how the Youth Mentor
Program operates and help the Companies' volunteers fill the
Committee Positions: Chairman, Advisor, Associate Advisor,
Consultants, etc.
Each Youth Mentor Program must have a unique Advisor and
Associate Advisor.
All Units can use the same committee.
The Institutional Representative is a part of this committee
but is not required to attend all of the monthly committee
meetings.
4.4 Second Volunteer Meeting
4.4.1 Institutional Representatives Roles
The Institutional Representative's secretary sets up meeting
facilities. The secretary sends out E-Mail or notes to the
volunteers of the date and time.
4.4.2 District Executive's Roles
The District Executive helps the new Committee and Advisors to
define their program and bylaws. The youth will be given the
change to change the bylaws. These are only for a starting
point.
4.5 Volunteer Training Meeting
5.1 Institutional Representatives Roles
The Institutional Representative's secretary sets up meeting facilities.
The secretary sends out E-Mail or notes to the volunteers of the date
and time.
Provide funding for coping and mailing the First Nighter Invitational
Letters.
Sign the First Nighter Innovational Letters
5.2 District Executive's Roles
The District Executive will teach the Advisors how to have a
successful First Nighter.
The District Executive will teach the Advisors how to use the Career
Interest Survey.
The District Executive will give the Advisors sample First Nighter
Invitation Letters.
5.3 Advisors' Roles
Write the First Nighter Invitational Letters.
Plan the First Nighter.
Make sure you include a R.S.V.P. phone number for the youth to contact
the Advisor and/or the Associate Advisor.
6.1 Institutional Representatives Roles
6.2 District Executive's Roles
Explains the relationship between Boy Scouts of America and the Company.
Passes out applications.
6.3 Advisors' Roles
Explains his/her program and how it will relate with the other Youth
Mentor Programs at within the company.
6.4 Sample Agenda |
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- Gathering
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Security
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- Call to order
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MC
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- Opening
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Committee Chairman
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- Welcome
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Institutional Representative
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- Youth Program #1
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Advisor #1
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- Youth Program #2
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Advisor #2
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- Youth Program #3
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Advisor #3
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- Boy Scouts of America
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District Executive
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- Question's and Answers
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Committee Chairman & District Executive
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- What do I do next
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Committee Chairman
Pick up applications
| | | | | | | | | | |
6.5 Money
You must decide if you are going to collect money at the First Nighter
or at the Second Nighter. If you do it at the First Nighter in the
Invitational Letter or the R.S.V.P. Letter make sure you inform the
youth that they need to bring the necessary funds.
7.1 Institutional Representatives Roles
The Institutional Representative's secretary sets up meeting
facilities, for the rest of the year.
7.2 District Executive's Roles
Introduces the Service Team Representative to the Advisors.
7.3 Advisors' Roles
Runs the meetings.
- Escorts the youth to the room they will be using for the
rest of the year.
- Explains the company policies and use of facilities
- Sets the ground rules
- WARNING: Promise anything you want but deliver
EVERYTHING you promise!
- Pass out program calendar and bylaws.
- Give tore of facilities.
Committee Meetings are held once a month. The Committee Members,
Advisors, and Associate Advisors should be present. Only the Committee
Members, Institutional Representative, and Advisors may vote. If there
is a tie the Committee Chairman is the tie breaker.
The Institutional Representative only needs to attend about once a
quarter. Or when needed.
Meetings should be held once a week on the same evening at the same
time.
As soon as possible, within the first two months each Unit should have
democratic elections for the youth officers.
11.1 Advisors' Roles
The Advisor shall set up meeting facilities and contact the Youth
Officers, Committee, and Service Team Representative. They will need a
TV & VHS VCR.
11.2 Service Team Representative's Roles
Conduct the Youth Training.
Officer Meetings are held once a month prior to or after the Unit
Meeting. Only the Youth Officers may vote. If there is a tie the Unit
President has the tie breaking vote. The Advisor is there to "Advise"
The Advisor always has the right to overrule.
Leadership is one of the primary qualities developed through Exploring.
The word leadership has been used to mean many different things.
The way we use it in Exploring is Simple.
13.1 What is Leadership?
Remember the mission statement of the BSA? "It is the mission of the
Boy Scouts of America to server others..." In Exploring this service
is focused on the development of leadership in post members. The goal
of all Exploring activity is the development of leadership skills in
each post member. As an Advisor, post committee member, or officer,
your role is the leadership development of the Explorers.
Every Explorer Post must decide what its goals are and how it is going
to carry them out, and then actually do it. This requires leadership of
two kinds. One set of leadership skills is focused on getting these
things done. Explorers learn how to make decisions, how to plan
activities, and what is involved in actually being responsible for
carrying out decisions.
Another set of leadership skills focuses on relationships between and
among Explorers and officers. A good leader learns the values of
working cooperatively with other people, making activities fun,
communicating, listening, and all the things that make relationships
work.
13.2 How do you become this kind of leader?
The first thing to remember is that all of your actions should be
guided by principles - your ethical and moral values, the Explorer
Code, and all the values Exploring stands for. Many problems that
leaders have can be avoid by sticking to your principles.
Second, remember that as a leader your role is to help develop
leadership skills and abilities in Explorers in your post. The two
best ways to learn leadership are to see others exercising leadership,
and to be put in a position where one must be a leader. In Exploring,
both are possible. Every Explorer sees other Explorers, officers, and
Advisors exercising leadership. If done right, they will learn by
exposure to good leadership role models.
The other way, learning by doing, is easy to imagine for Advisors and
officers. By being placed in positions where they are responsible for
activities and other people, they learn to be leaders.
But what about everybody else? Here we come back to our understanding
of the purpose of Exploring and the meaning of leadership. Exploring
is about the development of post members, specifically the development
of leadership. To develop leadership in all Explorers you must provide
them with opportunities to be leaders - to plan and carry out
activities and to make relationships work.
Explorers can chair activity committees. They care responsible of
supporting the post program by working on the development of
relationships with other post members nad gaining their participation.
While doing so, they are developing leadership skills. The role of the
officer is to help find a place for each person in the post to be a
part of making Exploring happen.
Leadership is not something invested in one person or a small group of
post members. Andy activity requires a variety of leadership actions.
All the different leade4ship functions can be shared among several
Post members at the same time.
13.3 Learning through experiences
Explorers learn by doing, by active participation. The best way to
learn is by trying something, not by watching someone else or being
told about it. Explorers learn how to work on computers, how to sing,
how to make paper, or how to sail a boat - not by reading or hearing
about it, but by doing it. Being involved means they will be more
interested, more challenged and motivated, and more likely to remember
the experience.
An Explorer also learns how to be a leader - not by watching someone
else, but by doing it. Explorers learn to make ethical decisions, to
plan and event, to communicate, or to encourage others by being in a
position where those skills and actions are necessary.
Each unit should have a defined purpose.
The following is 369's stated Purpose.
To help guide Exploring Youth toward career goals in fields of
Computer Information Sciences specializing in the UNIX(tm)
System Administration and networking technologies.
Each unit should have a defined Mission Statement.
The following is 369's stated Mission Statement.
To serve others by helping to instill values of good character,
participation citizenship and personal fitness in young people, and
in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices in their lifetimes
for achieving their full potential.
Each unit should have a defined Set of Objectives.
The following is 369's stated Set of Objectives.
We are dedicated to providing each member of the unit practical
experience in the field of Computer Information Sciences through
education in UNIX System Administration and UNIX Networking.
We seek to implement a program of activities that develops the whole
person, and that entails providing activities and experiences beyond
our regular meetings.
We seek to provide an opportunity for each of our members to expand
and enhance their leadership qualities, and experience what it means
to develop themselves and see growth in others.
Each unit should have a defined Set of Objectives.
The following is 369's stated Set of Objectives.
Extra Unit Activities
The post will try to have at least one meeting or activity beyond the
regular Tuesday scheduled meeting every month.
1. -
2. Super Activity
3. The post will have at least one Super Activity
a year.
18.1 Adult Positions
18.1.1 Institutional Representative
Is appointed by the Church Committee. Is the liaison between
the Unit and the Church.
18.1.2 Committee Chairman
Voted on by the Unit Committee and approved by both the
Institutional Representative and the Church Committee.
18.1.3 Committee Members
Appointed by the Advisor and approved by the Unit Committee.
18.1.4 Advisor
Is appointed by the Unit Committee Chairman and approved by
the Unit Committee.
18.1.5 Associate Advisors
Is appointed by the Advisor and approved by the Unit Committee.
18.1.6 Consultants
Is appointed by the Advisor. The Consultant comes for a
limited number of meetings to teach a specific class, and/or
subject.
18.2 Youth Positions
18.2.1 President
Voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of Unit, and
approved by the Advisor. Can be appointed by the Advisor.
Serve as youth leader of the Unit.
Implements the Unit program through officers and members.
Works closely with Advisors and other adult leaders in a
spirit of partnership.
Represents the Unit at meetings of the Officers' Association
and program planning conferences and is available to report to
the chartered organization and Unit Committee.
Assists the Unit Advisor in conducting the Unit Offers' Seminar.
Appoints youth chairpersons of special projects and appoints
special Unit Officers.
Presents the annual report to the chartered organization and/or
Unit Committee at the conclusion of his/her term of office.
Assesses on an ongoing basis whether the reproducibilities of
the officers are being considered and carried out effectively.
Approaches Venturing and encourages others to approach
Venturing in a spirit of fun and enjoyment.
18.2.2 Administrative Vice-President
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and approved by the Advisor. Can be
appointed by the Advisor.
Serves as administrative officer of the Unit.
Assumes the responsibilities of the Unit President in his or
her absence.
Leads the recruiting and admission of new members during the
year.
Organizes and recognizes the achievements of Unit members.
Conducts opening and closing ceremonies for special occasions
as scheduled.
Attends all Unit Activities.
Attends the Officer Association Meetings.
Approaches Venturing activities in a spirit of Fun and seeks
to reflect this spirit in the recruiting of new members and
through recognizing the achievements of Unit members.
Is a team leader of one of the Unit Patrols.
18.2.3 Program Vice-President
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and approved by the Advisor. Can be
appointed by the Advisor.
Serves as the program officer of the Unit and, in that
position, arranges the program planning process for the Unit.
Collects and maintains a Unit activity file consisting of the
Program Capability Inventory, a listing of Post member
interests and suggestions for activities, program resources,
and an annual activity schedule.
Determines the interest of the Unit members on an ongoing
basis (Unit Interest Surveys.)
Provides support for the President and committee for each
activity.
Approaches and encourages others to approach Venturing
activities in a spirit of fun and enjoyment.
Is a team leader of one of the Unit Patrols.
18.2.4 Secretary/Treasurer
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and approved by the Committee. Can
be appointed by the Advisor.
18.2.5 Secretary
Serves as the communications officer and, in that position,
manages all the communicans and publicity for the Unit.
Maintains Unit membership records and attendance records.
Handles Unit correspondence and minutes.
Coordinates Unit publicity through local media, Post
newsletters, and the Unit's telephone network.
Approaches Venturing in a spirit of fun and seeks to reflect
this spirit in the publicity and communications of the Unit.
18.2.6 Treasurer
Serves as the financial officer and, in that position,
maintains financial records and monitors the Unit budget if
necessary.
Collects and disburses Unit funds
Communicates with the Officers and members on a regular basis
to keep them informed about their finances
Approaches Venturing in a spirit of fun and spreads this
spirit in the carrying out of his/her responsibilities.
18.2.7 Historian
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and approved by the Advisor. Can be
appointed by the Advisor.
The Historian serves as the historical officer, maintaining
any important archival information, pictures, news articles,
awards, or special objects.
The Historians shall keep a record of extra-curricular Unit
activities, and where possible, collect pictorial information
on them.
The Historian also shall maintain in the Unit archives any
pertinent news clips or media exserts in relation to the Unit.
At the same time, the Historian shall also coordinate any
exhibits or displays the Unit chooses to create for its
archives
The Historian shall attend all Unit Activities.
18.2.8 Chaplain
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and subject to being approved by the
Advisor. Can be appointed by the Advisor.
18.2.9 Quartermaster
Is voted into office by quorum majority vote of the registered
youth member of the Unit, and approved by the Advisor. Can be
appointed by the Advisor.
18.2.10 Project Lead
Is appointed by the Unit President and approved by the Advisor.
Unit members benefit most from a well-rounded program based on the
six experience areas. These six experience areas and the specific
outcomes desired for Unit Members are:
19.1 Career/Leadership
Develop a better understanding of America's social, economic, and
government systems. Gaining some insight and practical experience in
careers
Each unit should define how they are going to achieve each of the
six points in the Experience Areas:.
- The following is how 369 fulfills these requirements.
1. Inquire into various aspects of data
processing: design, engineering, production, UNIX
System Administration, production, implementation,
sales, service.
2. Learn UNIX Systems Administration [SA],
how the SA supports the applications programmer and
the systems programmer; and how they support each
other in understanding what is needed, knowing the
capabilities of the UNIX computers, and getting
expected results.
3. Track the advancement route of the data
processing field: computer programmer, to systems
analyst, to field or lead systems analyst, to system
administrator to lead system administrator, to senior
system administrator. Know the training, experience,
and special education needed to advance.
19.2 Social
Instilling stable personal values firmly based on religious concepts.
Developing skill in dealing with all people and encouraging a sense of
family and community responsibility.
- The following is how 369 fulfills these requirements.
1. Investigate the rolls of computers in
analysis of and finding solutions for social problems:
- Education - helping to teach children
- Science - medical research, monitoring
hospital patients, space explorations.
- Urbanization - traffic control, pollution
control, community planning
2. Plan joint meetings with posts whose
specialty involves the use of computers, such as
accounting, automotive, electronics, engineering,
teaching, manufacturing, telephone communications,
and medical.
19.3 Citizenship
Encouraging a sense of pride to our American Heritage. Preparing to
give leadership and fulfill our responsibility to American Society
and to the people of the world.
19.4 Outdoor
Developing a degree of self reliance based on courage, initiative, and
resourcefulness. Understanding and appreciating the wise use of
resources and the protection of our environment.
19.5 Service
Encouraging the skill and desire to help others. Gaining a keen respect
for the basic rights of others.
- The following is how 369 fulfills these requirements.
1. Volunteer to help with the data
processing needs of charitable agencies, including
Boy Scouts of America.
19.6 Fitness
Improving mental and emotional fitness. Enhancing physical fitness
and an appreciation for sports.
- The following is how 369 fulfills these requirements.
1. Investigate the potential for the
possible misuse of computerized data such as invasion
of privacy through sharing of personal data nd
satellite spying.
2. Take an aptitude test given by employers
of programmers.
19.6.1 Learn about the special needs of the working environment
in which computers are installed and which are of benefit to workers.
Examples include a dust-free environment, constant temperature, special
design, lighting, wall colors, and the prevention of carpel tunnel
syndrome.
20.1 Unit Meeting
You must define your meeting time and location.
20.2 Membership
Membership shall be open to all young adults who are in Senior High
School and at least 14 years of age and not yet 20. No prospective
member shall be disqualified because of race, color, creed, or sex.
All members must be registered as Venturers and agree to the Unit
Bylaws.
20.3 Officers
The elected officers shall be president, two vice president,
secretary/treasurer, historian, chaplain, and quartermaster. The
president, with the approval of the Advisor shall appoint activity
chairmen and make other assignments as needed.
The normal term of the office shall be for one year starting on
February 1. Election nominations shall be held the first Tuesday of
March. Election speeches shall be held the second Tuesday in March.
Elections shall be the third Tuesday in January. Anyone can nominate
anyone, including themselves, for any elected youth position.
No nominations will be excepted after the beginning of the second
Tuesday in March.
The elections shall be by secret ballots
The candidate must win by at least a 51% margin of a quorum.
20.4 Unit Business
Unit business will be conducted under the principles outlined in
"Robert's Rules of Order." Voting on all issues will be by simple
majority, with the expectation of changes or amendments to the bylaws.
20.5 Bylaw Changes
Changes to the Bylaws will require a two-thirds vote of the total
membership and said changes must be approved by the Advisor. A quorum
shall consist of one more than the majority of members for votes on
routine business.
20.6 Changes by the Adult Committee
The Bylaws may also be changed by a simple majority vote by the Unit
Committee.
20.7 Offer's Meetings
Officer's Meetings will be held at least once a month, prior to and
at a different time and place than the regularly scheduled Unit
Meetings.
20.8 Behavior (Adult & Youth)
The Unit members will act in accordance with The Unit Code and guide
lines set by the Unit Committee.
- All Unit members will follow the Unit Bylaws.
- There shall be no physical display of affection at any
Unit activity.
- There shall be no alcohol at any Unit activity.
- There shall be no tobacco, including smokeless, at any
Unit activity.
- There shall be no illegal
drugs(2),
including marijuana, at any Unit activity.
- The possession of Alcohol, tobacco (of any kind) or
illegal drugs is grounds for expulsion from the program.
20.9 2 or 4 Deep Leadership
No adult is to be alone with a youth member of the Unit. Youth over
the age of 18 shall not be alone with youth under the age of 18. It is
best to always have 3 or more people in the room with the doors open.
In any activity where either the participants are expected to change
clothes, such as swimming, or spend the night there shall be at least
two adults (21 or over) for each gender. If only one gender is in
attendance then only two adults, of that gender, are needed. If both
genders are present then two adults of each gender are required. At
least one adult must be a registered member of Unit. Mothers and
Fathers will do as chaperones.
Footnotes
- (1)
- Most of the time this is Big Wig's secretary.
- (2)
- Members taking either over the counter or prescription medication must inform the Advisor so s/he is aware of its presence at Unit Activities. The Advisor has the right to request a doctor's note before allowing the youth to bring the medication with them.
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