Education Curriculum Jan 08
Transcript of Education Curriculum Jan 08
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 1/30
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 2/30
Founded in 2003, YouthInspire is a wholly youth-run organization “serving the commu-
nity through time, talents, and treasures.” While writing the mission statement, ounding members
envisioned YouthInspire as a community resource made up o youth serving youth.
One o the ounders’ rst tasks was to survey local high school students and assess the needs o theyouth within our community. The survey’s results were surprising. YouthInspire ound that the young
people o Lincoln, Nebraska elt that youth lacked a voice in making community decisions, and elt
underrepresented and overlooked by community members. To combat this problem, YouthInspire
created an Education Committee whose goal was to write a curriculum or distribution to organiza-
tions acting in our community.The Education Committee o YouthInspire has created this pamphletto act as a teaching resource to acilitate the relationships between youth and adults on decision-
making boards.
This pamphlet has seven chapters that examine who benets when youth serve on boards, possible
barriers, how to assess your organization, models o youth involvement, recruitment strategies, the
orientation period, and how to make meetings work. Each bulleted outline is ollowed by a detailed
explanation, engaging activities, and helpul tips or implementation. We hope that this pamphletwill help both youth and adults benet rom enhanced collaboration and innovation. The Education
Committee and YouthInspire believe that your organization and your community will gain rom hav-
ing youth and adults work together to serve a common goal.
The Education Committee
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 3/30
CHAPTER 1: Who Benefts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CHAPTER 2: Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CHAPTER 3: Organizational Assessment . . . . . . . . . . 10
CHAPTER 4: Model o Youth Involvement . . . . . . . . 14
CHAPTER 5: Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CHAPTER 6: Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CHAPTER 7: Making Meetings Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 4/30
Who Benefts?Beore beginning the integration o youth in a nonprot or
governing structure, you must rst understand who benets
and what both youth and adults bring to the table.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 5/30
WHO BENEF ITS ? 3
How Adults
Beneft:» By working with youth, adults will possess a more
complete client perspective. For example, i adults
govern a nonprot that serves youth but haven’t yet
worked with any, allowing young people into the or-
ganization provides sta with a critical perspective
not otherwise available.
Acceptance is an important lesson to learn, and by
working with youth, adults quickly accept youth or
who they are. This not only opens the minds o youthbut also those o adults, helping both parties accept
one another. With the acceptance o each other, old
stereotypes are soon broken.
Adults can gain much rom helping youth, working
with them and getting to know them well. It can be
very ullling or an adult to become a liaison or e-
ective youth outreach.
Youth bring resh ideas, dierent outlooks, and
unique experiences to their work with organizations.As a result, youth bring a new perspective to old is-
sues, oering an organization the potential or posi-
tive change. Balancing these new ideas with how an
organization has operated in the past can move the
organization orward.
» By accepting youth as resources, adults gain not
only wonderul peers, but networking possibilities
as well.
How Youth
Beneft:» Experience and guidance rom adults provides
signicant opportunities or youth. Much can be
learned rom hands-on eorts to engage in the com-
munity, as opposed to classroom-based, theoretical
exercises.
» By involving themselves with organizations, youth
enter somewhat inexperienced and ollow rather
than lead. Youth exit prepared to lead and make de-
cisions, ater improving their leadership skills throughworking with an organization.
» Many students who work within an organization’s in-rastructure gain motivation or independent study
and the resulting experiences pique an interest in
community aairs.
» While working in a larger organization, youth cannot
depend on adults or all o their decisions and ac-
tions. As independent workers on a sta or team,
youth develop respect or adults without develop-ing dependence.
» By working with an organization directly, youth
better learn to articulate and express their ideas.
Youth develop and rene their communication skillsthrough participation in brainstorming sessions, pre-
sentations, and articulating ideas.
» Youth also gain access to networking through their
involvement with community organizations, eec-
tively building relationships with inuential adults in
the community.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 6/30
How
OrganizationsBeneft:
» Long-term growth and development is a major ben-
et o youth involvement in organizations. Adding
youth to an organization may seem like a short-term
solution, but as these individuals grow older and
more independent, they are more likely to support
organizations they have a relationship with as em-
ployees, volunteers, or donors.
» Involving youth in decision-making structures al-
lows an organization to become representative o the community it serves.
» By involving youth, organizations are able to check
their interests as well. Youth will help ensure that an
organization is working towards their specic goal
and not one particular sel interest.
» Organizational diversity is another benet o youth
involvement. By mixing younger and older partici-pants in an organization, many problems caused
by stereotypes can be avoided. Because youth and
adults think dierently, encouraging organizational
diversity ensures a more complete decision-makingprocess.
» An organization aimed at serving youth cannot ac-
complish this undamental goal without integrating
youth into its inrastructure. An organization that
reuses to do so may lack integrity and legitimacy
in the eyes o youth it is attempting to serve and en-gage.
How the
Community Benefts:
» When youth become involved in organizations,
more contributing and active members are added
to an already stimulated community o vibrant intel-
lectuals.
» Youth provide unique insights.
» New role models are cultivated or the community;
these young people, in turn, inspire their peers to ol-
low in their ootsteps.
» Integrating youth into daily organizational opera-
tions also has a long-term eect. With gained experi-
ence, many o these volunteers are likely to become
uture leaders themselves – engaged and commit-
ted to the organization and the wider community.
» When youth involvement surges in a community,
residents are likely to take notice. Engaging all con-stituencies o a community in decision-making
processes is a signicant accomplishment and will
stimulate community spirit.
4 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 7/30
Activity:
Preconceived NotionsPurpose: This activity is a useul tool or initiating discussion at an initial meeting or at an orientation (reer to
Chapter 6: Orientation).
Description: Separate the youth and adults. Have the adults and youth begin by brainstorming potential ben-ets and challenges o working with the opposite age group (no discussion between the groups yet). Ater a list
has been created by each side, bring the two groups together to share their lists. Discuss these ideas and how
they can help and harm communication between the groups. Be sure to give each side a chance to assess the
airness o the assumptions.
Activity:
Doodle GamePurpose: This activity is not only used to help get to know each other better but is also a great way to dene how
youth and adults can benet rom each other.
Description:Have the group sit in a circle. Give each person a piece o paper and a marker and ask them to draw
a quick shape or scribble. Each person then passes the paper to the right and makes a picture out o the scribble
on paper they receive. Next, pass the paper once more and allow the third person to elaborate on the drawing
and turn it into something new. Discuss the changes the original scribble underwent. Was it difcult to watchyour drawing change? Did it become better as it became more dened?
WHO BENEF ITS ? 5
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 8/30
Barriers There are a number o dierent barriers that an organization
needs to overcome beore making “youth on board” a reality.
These include attitudinal, pragmatic, and physical barriers.
The rst step is overcoming those barriers.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 9/30
Attitudinal
Barriers:» Organizational members should take into account
that youth and adults are not signicantly dierent.
They possess many o the same goals and charac-
teristics needed to make an impact in their commu-
nity.
» In order to work eectively with youth, adults must
break down stereotypes about youth culture. Once
those stereotypes are broken down the organization
can move orward with a more positive work envi-ronment.
» Young people are as capable o hard work and dedi-cation as adults. They are willing to invest energy, and
denitely can. Progress can be made when adults
delegate work to youth.
» Adults should appreciate and notice the diversity
that results rom youth involvement. It may bring up
dierent opinions and discussions than would nor-
mally arise - creating a new outlook or your organi-zation.
» Older members should avoid competition and ine-
ective language in the organization beore involv-
ing youth. Setting a good example or youth partici-pants is important.
Pragmatic
Barriers:» Bylaws and constitutions may need to be changed
so that youth participants can work within your or-
ganization. Your constitution, or example, should
have a section about extra-organizational involve-
ment written to ensure your organization seeks, al-
lows, and encourages youth participation.
» Address conicts o interest when it comes to youth
involvement. Do your members want youth on
board because it looks good or your organization’simage, or do they want youth on board to help ac-
complish a specic goal?
» Answer questions o legality beore involving youth.
For example, is there a minimum age or board mem-
bers?
» Evaluate costs or create a separate budget or youth
on board. Anticipate initial start-up costs to recruit,
orient, and integrate youth into your organization.
» Ensure that all adult participants understand, agree
upon, and endorse expectations o a structural
change.
» Create a support system and ensure enthusiasm. Apositive, un work environment will stimulate young
minds, and older minds, as well!
» Brie young people on specic jargon or language
utilized in the organization. Participation will be
greatly deterred i youth eel as i they are being ex-
cluded or intimidated by the language o organiza-tional terms and acronyms.
BARRIERS 7
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 10/30
Physical Barriers:» The young people you choose or your organizationwill likely have busy lives, so it is important to work
around their school and activity schedules when de-
ciding meeting times. It may be necessary to meet
on weekends, evenings, or in late aternoons.
» Many high school students don’t drive themselves,
so transportation to and rom meetings could be a
challenge. Be sure and address the issue with par-
ents by discussing options; carpooling with older
youth representatives or meeting at alternate loca-
tions might be useul or necessary options.
8 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 11/30
Activity:
JargonPurpose: This activity will help address some o the barriers that ace a board consisting o both youth and
adults. It will also be helpul in initiating discussion and breaking the ice at a meeting.
Description: Separate the youth and adults. Ask an adult to begin speaking to the group o youth in board jargon, then trade and have a youth begin speaking to the adults in slang. Ater a ew minutes o each, have
them step down and ask each group to “translate the talk.” Bring the groups together and discuss the difculties
they experienced. Discuss how language is a part o each age group’s culture. Brainstorm solutions or crossing
language barriers.
Activity:
Wait a MinutePurpose: This activity will orce participants to understand time constraints and realize how dierent the percep-
tion o time is to each individual. “Wait a Minute” will make a good ice breaker at orientation or other meetings.
Description:Prepare by covering any clocks visible in the meeting room. Be sure to have a pen, a list o everyone
participating, and a watch that counts seconds. The task is or each person to say when they think a minute has
passed (without looking at watches or phones) rom the second you say “start.” As each person says “time,” write
the number o seconds next to their name. Ater everyone has said “time,” read the list to the group and compareaccuracy. Discuss the diering perceptions o time and the importance o time management and planning in the
running o an efcient and successul organization.
BARRIERS 9
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 12/30
Organizational
AssessmentAn assessment o your organization will help determine
what is needed or successully integrating youth into your
governing structure. Below is an outline o considerations
that an organizational assessment will address.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 13/30
Structure:Many components make up the structure o an or-ganization. It is important to ensure that allowancesare made to provide or and encourage youth par-
ticipation. Recruitment is a large component o the
structure o your organization, and is explained in
urther detail in Chapter 5.
1 Recruiting youth: The recruitment process is very
important. Reach out to young people already in-
volved in the community. Take every opportunity to
network and to get young people’s attention; any-
one can be an asset. Go out in the community and
nd those youth who have been recommended by
your community’s teachers, pastors, coaches, etc.
2 Selecting youth: Choosing the right youth is im-
portant because poor selection can lead to reten-
tion problems. In order to accomplish the goals o
your organization, it is important to have diverse and
committed young people working alongside the
adult members o your board.
3 Retaining youth: Help to retain your youth mem-
bers by making them eel involved. When delegating jobs, make sure those carrying out the duties have a
connection to the project. Also, i young people eel
like their participation is truly beneting the com-
munity, they are more likely to continue.
4 Roles and Responsibilities: Decide what role
young people will play in your organization. Will they
act as liaisons, or will they be involved in decision-
making processes? I young people play a central
role, they will know to show eort and remain com-
mitted.
5 Bylaws and terms: Some organizations’ bylaws do
not allow or members under a certain age, so make
sure yours will allow or young people to be involved
and amend them i necessary. Also, consider speciy-
ing how long members must serve. Make sure thatthe commitment is there and that the people o the
board understand how long they will serve on the
board.
Support:There are pragmatic barriers that may prevent youthrom participating in your organization. Conduct anassessment to ensure the resources to support the
decision to incorporate youth are available.
» Financial support: I young people are expected
to be ully involved, be prepared to reimburse them
or their expenses such as transportation and photo-
copies, or provide the resources. Consider creating a
policy to compensate or lost wages or youth who
must miss work or organizational duties. I young
parents are involved, provide assistance to support
their childcare needs.
» General support: Young people might need othertypes o support, and your organization could prove
to be an important resource. Consider having tutors
available, providing snacks, and leading workshops
that will teach leadership and community service
skills. Creating a supportive environment will in-
crease efciency.
» Personal support: Some youth need words o
encouragement so they know their work is appre-ciated. Reection time is a good idea, particularly
to build stronger relationships between youth and
adults. Young people can benet rom spending
time with adults, as well as other youth. Be sure toallow or personal sharing time. Another way to
make personal connections is by giving the youth
a phone call reminding them o the next meeting.
Even though this gesture may seem small, the youth
will eel they are a part o your organization.
ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT 11
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 14/30
Training:Training young people to work within your group isa critical rst step.
1 First, evaluate what support systems you already
have in place or adult members.
2 I the training plan is not geared towards youth, ad-
just it to include denitions o jargon and introduc-
tions to budgets, meeting protocol, and agendas.
An orientation will help develop skills to encourage
young people’s involvement.
Attitude:1 A positive attitude is important in maintaining ahealthy environment. Be sure both adults and youth
are supportive o one another, respectul o one an-
other, and eel open to discuss new ideas and con-
cerns.
2 Make sure adults are prepared to build strong rela-
tionships with young people and support their in-
volvement. Behavior and attitude go hand-in-hand,
so monitor the overall tone within your organization.
Encourage youth to ask questions and serve in lead-
ership positions.
12 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 15/30
ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT 13
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 16/30
Model o Youth
InvolvementIn order to ully utilize the skills that youth can bring to an
organization, develop a model o youth involvement that
you would like to see in action. This will add structure and
purpose to your decision to incorporate young people.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 17/30
Model o Youth
InvolvementWhen creating your model o youth involvement,
there are two general approaches.
1 Involve young people directly in an existing adult
body by adding youth positions to existing boards orcommittees. Determine i youth positions will have
voting authority or act as observers.
2 Set up an adjunct body consisting o young people
only. Establish how the youth input will be incorpo-rated into the primary governing body. Also deter-
mine what support is needed to maintain a separate
body o youth.
Structural
Options:I your organization decides to set up an adjunct
body, there are several possible structural options:
1 Advisory board: This group will oer eedback and
advice to the organization by meeting regularly and
commenting on issues assigned by the governing
body. The board has no governing authority, but can
organize special events.
2 Policy committee: This committee serves a signi-cant advisory role to the organization by having in-
put on programs and organizational issues, but does
not have representation on the board. Membersrom the committee can sit on the board to act as a
link between bodies.
3 Program committee: This committee is usually o-
cused on a specic program or project and may be
short-term.
4 Grant-making committee: This committee makes
decisions on how to distribute unds to community
projects by setting guidelines, reviewing grants,
making site visits, and raising unds.
5 Commission: Commissions are ully autonomousbodies whose duties include advancing policies and
making recommendations.
6 Task orce: A task orce is created or a short o pe-
riod time to carry out a specic duty, usually as as-
signed by the main governing body.
MODEL OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT 15
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 18/30
Tips or Success:1 The structural options listed above are not denite– duties and privileges can be combined to better t
your organization’s needs.
2 Clariy the responsibilities o structures so young
people are not discouraged or overwhelmed by the
amount o power given to them.
3 Educate youth about the extent o their authority so
that adults and youth are on the same page.
4 Be clear on expectations by inorming adult mem-
bers o the goals to be ullled by adding youth.
5 Be prepared to implement training programs sinceyouth are less experienced, but also open to new
ideas. Having inormed members will benet your
organization.
6 Adding youth who already have relationships within
the organization will help maintain their interest and
participation. Add two to three young people at a
time, so nobody is overwhelmed or intimidated.
7 Have sta ready to devote time and energy to get-
ting the group prepared to do its job. Certain adults
should act as links between the youth board and
adult board by providing input and guidance to theyouth.
16 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 19/30
MODEL OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT 17
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 20/30
RecruitmentHal o the success o creating a great board depends upon
your recruitment process, and i you want to have an orga-
nization that involves young people in a signicant way, you
should recruit rom among those young people who believe
in your cause and will help you meet your objectives.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 21/30
Steps or Eective
Recruiting:1 Be clear about what is desired. Be clear on how
the board will unction and work as a group.
2 Dene your selection process. Understand how
you want your selection process to run with your
goals in mind.
3 Recruit candidates and review expectations.
When recruiting, keep in mind your organization’s
expectations o prospective candidates.
4 Select Candidates.
5 Promptly notiy those chosen and not chosen.
6 Evaluate your recruitment process. Evaluation
is necessary, regardless o the results o the recruit-
ment strategy. I the results were negative, work to
improve methods or uture recruitment eorts.
7 Document the process. This will help sta remem-
ber what went on during the recruitment process,and will also help your organization improve the
process in the uture.
Tips or
Recruitment:» Recognize that youth are important. Recognize the
youth who are willing to be involved and will be an
important addition to your organization.
» Be conscientious o over-committed youth who may
have little time to give to the organization. Oten,
over-committed youth think they can still nd time
or one more board or committee. However they will
have little time to devote their time and talents to
your board. Seek youth that will be committed toyour organization.
» Create sample interview questions. For example,“what organization has had the biggest impact in
your lie and why?” or “what qualities do you possess
that can help you become a great leader?”.
» Determine the qualities o a worthy recruit and out-
line why those qualities will best serve the organiza-
tion.
» Consider reerrals rom young people already in-
volved in your organization.
» Contact youth organizations. Youth organizations
know where there are willing and committed youthand will help to publicize your recruitment eorts.
» Hold a brie orientation prior to interviews. This will
not only help you gain a better understanding o
what you can accomplish in the uture but will also
give those candidates a better understanding o
what they can accomplish.
» Advertise in public papers and youth publications.
There is a good chance that youth who are willing to
contribute to your organization are not aware o the
opportunities available.
» Consider publicizing in parent-concentrated areas.
Parents are always looking or ways their youth can
get involved. Frequently, it is parents who inorm
youth o opportunities within local organizations.
RECRUITMENT 19
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 22/30
OrientationIt is important or young people to eel comortable in new
leadership positions. An eective orientation period is crucial
or achieving progress on boards.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 23/30
OrientationSteps or an eective orientation:
1 Dene the organization’s expectations and goals oryouth participants.
2 Create a letter that outlines the expectations and re-
sponsibilities o a board member. It is always helpul
to know what is to be expected. This will also give
you a better idea o what your organization wants
accomplished. Send a welcome letter to accepted
applicants and include these expectations, along
with a description o why this board has been cre-
ated.
3 Schedule an orientation that will review the roles
and expectations allowing time or questions. Beprepared to address some common questions that
the youth or parents may be considering.
4 Implement an inormal mentoring program. This pro-
gram should allow youth to ask questions and voice
concerns that may pop up in the rst ew months.
Maintain an open line o communication to better
orient and educate the new youth board memberso the organization’s policies and procedures.
5 Hold a parent orientation. Discuss their children’s
responsibilities including meeting times, the board’sgoals, and its relationship to the rest o the organiza-
tion.
Youth orientation
checklist shouldinclude:
» Organization’s mission: Start with the basics
– what is the organization’s main goal?
» History: How long has your organization been
around? How did it start? Interesting acts about
your organization: Let them know what you’re all
about.
» Names and explanations o programs: What are
the organization’s daily operations?
» Organizational inrastructure.
» Policies.
» Meeting protocol: What should youth expect at
meetings?
» Review o bylaws: Having bylaws and a constitu-tion to ollow is a great way to keep board members
on track. I there ever comes a time that an issue
is unclear or uncertain, bylaws will provide a rame
o reerence. This will make your board stronger and
more efcient.
» Contact inormation o current members: Ex-
plain who acts in an advisory capacity to the board
and who can answer questions.
» Plans or the uture: Youth need to know what or-
ganization’s goals are and what they can contribute.
» Staf introductions and responsibilities.
» Current unresolved issues.
» Sources o unding and relationships with ma- jor contributors.
» Relationships with major unders.
» Review letter o agreement: Let youth know once
again what the organization’s goals are.
» Attendance: What is expected o youth? They need
to know that attendance is important. Oten, issues
cannot be resolved and action cannot be taken
without the ull board. Make young people aware
that this is a commitment and they need to expect
to put some time into your organization.
ORIENTATION 21
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 24/30
Reminder
or Adults:» Encourage youth to voice opinions during the meet-
ing. Remind them that they are a valuable part o the
board.
» Remind youth that their involvement is important.
This is a large commitment but they can do it. Con-
tinually encourage them in their activities.
» Introduce youth to new concepts and the organiza-
tion slowly. Don’t throw everything at them at once.It will take them awhile to learn the ins and outs o
the organization.
Reminders
or Youth:» Find allies in ellow board members.
» Ask questions. There are no stupid questions. Most
likely someone else has the same question in mind.
Become comortable with the organization, so get
all those important questions answered!
» Don’t get discouraged. It will take time to get used to
the new organization and responsibility. Give your-
sel time to adjust.
» Attendance is important. Make the commitment
and stick to it.
» Appreciate adults and their resources. They are there
to help. Don’t view them as obstacles – interact with
them.
22 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 25/30
Activity:
Name GamePurpose: This name game will not only help you learn each others names but also help you get to know each
other on a more personal level.
Description: Go around the circle, and have each person say his or her name and answer a question. Examples:What is your dream car? What superhero power do you wish you had? What is your avorite avor o ice cream?
The exercise should move quickly and allow group members to learn names along with personalities.
Activity:
Two Truths and a LiePurpose: This get-to-know-you game is a un way to help the board introduce themselves.
Description: Have the group sit in a circle. Go around the circle and have each person share three pieces o in-
ormation about themselves – two that are true and one that is a lie. Everyone else will try to decide which is the
lie. Discuss surprising things people learned about each other and how honesty aects group dynamics.
dynamic.
ORIENTATION 23
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 26/30
Making
Meetings Work Now that all participants are comortable in their new roles,
it is important to conduct meetings that are efcient, pro-
ductive, and encourage ull participation rom all members.
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 27/30
Making Meetings
Work: We understand that many o you have been in-
volved in conducting meetings and some o the ol-
lowing inormation may be somewhat elementary.
However, working with youth can be very dierent
rom working with adults, and the ollowing points
may be especially important to ollow when work-
ing with youth. The purpose o this section is to help
suggest some tools to use in your meetings to en-
gage youth. This chapter will suggest ways to involve
youth throughout your meetings, and to make thosemeetings as successul as possible.
Interactive
Meetings:1 Prepare an agenda and stick to it. Going in with
nothing prepared isn’t a good idea. Most likely you
will end up leaving the meeting with nothing ac-
complished.
2 Start each meeting with ice breakers to encourage
participation.
3 Break into small groups (3-4) and discuss a particu-
lar question or issue. It helps to start in small groupswhere more opinions can be expressed. Then bring
the whole group together or sharing and summariz-
ing.
4 In a large group, brainstorm ideas or solving a cur-
rent problem. Everyone’s ideas can be heard this
way!
5 End each meeting with a go-around to afrm ac-
complishments and outline action steps or unre-
solved issues.
MAKING MEETIN GS WORK 25
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 28/30
Meeting checklist:» Prepare goals or the meeting, issues or discussion,ice breakers, and closing topics. Open the meeting
by reviewing these goals.
» Be aware o time constraints. Stick to planned start
and end times or each meeting.
» Prepare a designated space conducive to discussion
and productivity.
» Gather materials (rereshments, equipment, charts,
etc.) and come prepared.
» Designate a acilitator to lead. More is accomplished
when a leader keeps everyone on track. This will alsohelp keep meetings on time.
» Make clear youth and adult roles during meetings.
26 the CURRICULUM
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 29/30
Activity:
WordstormPurpose: This activity will help to initiate discussion during meetings, and can be incorporated into your agen-
da.
Description: Using a chalk board or ip chart, write a word that is related to the day’s meeting. Ask the group tosay any words that come to their minds. Write down all o their responses as quickly as possible, then look over
the words and discuss what conclusions could be drawn about the group’s previous ideas and interactions with
this topic.
MAKING MEETIN GS WORK 27
7/31/2019 Education Curriculum Jan 08
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/education-curriculum-jan-08 30/30
Acknowledgements
The Education Committee o YouthInspire would like to thank the ollowing peopleor all their help and encouragement throughout the years to create this pamphlet:
Mr. Larry Arth, who has been a champion or our youth programs and who has pro-
vided nancial support and advice since our inception and continues to ensure we
have the unding to carry on our work.
The Lincoln Community Foundation and Ms. Debra Shoemaker or putting their trust
in youth by establishing YouthInspire, and or their continued commitment to the
Foundation.
We would also like to thank the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, especially Dr. Robert Long,
ormer Vice President or Programs at Kellogg, and Dr. Cynthia Milligan, Past Chair o the Kellogg Foundation Board, or making this project possible through a generous
grant to YouthInspire and or encouraging us to make a real dierence in our com-
munity.
We thank the Woods Charitable Fund and Ms. Pam Baker and Mr. Tom Woods or
providing us the unds to help sustain the work o YouthInspire.
The Lincoln Corporate Community or their generosity and support o our youth
programs.
Special thanks to Jacob North who so generously oered their services to print thiscolorul creation.
Without the help and inspiration rom the “Youth on Board” 14 Points handbook, the
YouthInspire Education Committee would not have been able to put together this
new pamphlet or our community.
We would also like to give a big thanks to Ben Corley rom Corley Consulting Group
out o Fort Wayne, Indiana or all his work with this project, rom beginning to end!
We would like to thank Chris Tipton o Omaha, NE or his innovative design work.
Much appreciation to the Leadership Lincoln Board o Directors or allowing us thereedom to learn, and or the guidance they have given YouthInspire over the years.
And nally, we would like to thank Deane Finnegan, Peter Ferguson, and NateBuhrman o Leadership Lincoln and Lance Francisco, ormer YouthInspire advisor,
or their support and commitment to this program.