Unleashing Your

Potential!!!

ADULT VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK2015-2016

Clarence E. Lightner YMCA AchieversLightner Y Achievers Vision Statement: Dedicated to helping Triangle youth develop as leaders through opportunities in education, leadership, philanthropy, community service and civic engagement

Association Programs Branch 801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 118, Raleigh, NC 27607 www. YMCATriangle.org

Adult Volunteer Training

BE. BELIEVE. BECOME.

AGENDA

8:30-9:00 Mingle/Breakfast

9:00-9:10 Welcome

9:10-9:20 Devotion

9:20-9:30 Overview of the day

9:30-9:45 Introductions (Why are you here?)

9:45-10:00 Community Builder

10:15-10:30 Break

10:30-11:30 How to build healthy

relationships

11:30-12:00 20/20 Vision

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-1:00 Community Builder

1:00-2:30 Local Y BranchesRecruitmentTheme CommitteesCLYA AlumniScholarshipsT-shirtsRobotics Curriculum Kick-Off Growth

2:30 Adjourn

CLUSTER SCHEDULEAll clusters unless otherwise noted are held at the YMCA’s Association Resource Center (ARC) from 9am – 1pm.

Date Cluster ThemeAugust 22 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) KICK-OFF EVENTSeptember 12 Cluster 1September 26 Cluster 2October 10 Cluster 3October 24 Cluster 4November 14 Cluster 5November 21 Cluster 6December 4 Cluster 7December 12 Cluster 8

December 19 Cluster 9 Christmas Social (4pm-10pm)January 9 Cluster 10January 23 Cluster 11February 5 Cluster 12

February 11-14 NCYAG ConferenceRaleigh Sheraton

February 26 Cluster 13

March 12 Cluster 14

March 27-April 1 LYA Annual College TourApril 9 Cluster 15April 23 Cluster 16May 7 Cluster 17May 21 Cluster 18

MEETING DATES

All meetings are held on Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the YMCA Association Resource Center801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27607

○ September 15, 2015○ October 20, 2015○ November 17, 2015○ December 15, 2015○ January 19, 2016○ February 16, 2016○ March 15, 2016○ April 19, 2016○ May 17, 2016

WHO IS AN ADULT ACHIEVER? Someone who holds a responsible position such as business owner or an upper

or middle management level position. Someone who has been regularly employed for at least 1-3 years. Someone who exhibits exemplary skills and achievements in their field. Someone who has a desire to help youth, as well as serve as an exemplary role model. Someone who is active in the community. Someone who is enthusiastic and can effectively motivate students -YOU!

WHAT IS THE CLARENCE E. LIGHTNER YMCA ACHIEVERS PROGRAM?The Clarence E. Lightener YMCA Achievers Program Objectives:

Vision Statement: Dedicated to helping Triangle youth develop as leaders through opportunities in education, leadership, philanthropy, community service and civic engagement.

Encourage youth to set and achieve high educational and professional goals.o The major thrust of the program is to assist youth in establishing and

meeting these own goals. The program also focuses on leadership, character development, life skills, and community involvement.

Provide role models whose success and knowledge will inspire teens to reach their goals.

Help youth develop a positive self image. To expose youth to diverse career options. To raise academic standards and improve college readiness. To build character and increase the positive assets of youth. Acknowledge adults who have achieved professional success.

Create channels for continuing community involvement by business and industry.o The program provides businesses and industries with the chance to

encourage their best employees to join, as well as contribute funds to the program.

Raise funds for the YMCA to operate such programs. Recognize and promote excellence among youth participants and adult

volunteers.

Historical Roots of the Lightner Y Achievers Program

In 2010, two of the region's most successful youth leadership programs joined forces to improve the future of teens in the Triangle region. The YMCA of the Triangle’s Y Achievers Program and the Clarence E. Lightner Youth Leadership Foundation merged to become the Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers Program.

Black Achievers, the parent program of the Y Achievers Program, was founded in 1971 at the Harlem YMCA. Its purpose is to help teens develop a positive sense of self, and to set high education and career goals. The Clarence E. Lightner Youth Training initiative started in 2003 to teach middle school students the importance of civic participation and community service. The merger broadens the YMCA program structure while sustaining the legacy and mission of former mayor Clarence E. Lightner and the Lightner Leadership Academy. Currently, the Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers program serves youth grades 6th through 12th through a structured mentoring and leadership development program.

The Legacy of Clarence E. Lightner (1921-2002)The Life of a Man Who Made a DifferenceClarence E. Lightner spent his life offering gracious service to his home town of Raleigh and his home state of North Carolina. Citizens from all over the nation knew him as a committed leader and visionary statesman and for his commitment to encouraging youth to make the right choices in life.

In 1973 he was elected Mayor of Raleigh. He was the first and to date the only African-American citizen to serve in this capacity in North Carolina’s capital city.

Clarence Lightner left a profound legacy of dignity, inspiration and perseverance in times of challenge.

FYI . . .The YMCA of the Triangle Area has awarded over $200,000 in college scholarship monies to 90 academically gifted teens over the last ten years.

WHO LEADS THE LIGHTNER Y ACHIEVERS PROGRAM?This program is led by staff that has completed the Lightner Y Achievers Director Certification.Kendall Harris, Director of Lightner Y Achievers and Community Outreach

Phone: 919-719-9664 Email:kendall.harris@ymcatriangle.org

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF AN ADULT ACHIEVER? A 40-hour volunteer commitment. (This equals less than 1 hour per week!) To assist staff in planning and leadership.

o A cluster is a program component that is led by YMCA staff, Adult Achievers and guest speakers. Volunteers choose an area of achievement, interest, and expertise in which they expose program participants to different career options in that field. Clusters also focus on life skills needed for success. This year we will focus on the following clusters:

o Government, Politics and Voting ○ Financial Literacy o Public Speaking ○ Service Projectso College Preparationo Academic Excellenceo Time Managemento Career Fair

Clusters may be led in a variety of ways including workshops, workplace tours, guest speakers, small group discussions, debates, role playing, written exercises, publications, trips, projects, etc.

A full list of this year’s clusters may be found at the beginning of this handbook.

Participation in various program areas: Along with leading clusters, Adult Achievers are expected to participate in other

program areas:o Steering Committee

o Subcommittees - Finance and Fundraising- Robotics- Recruitment- Programming- Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Y Achievers Banquet

- College Tour- Heritage Tour- Mentoring- Tutoring- Scholarship - Parent Involvement- Teen Advisory Council- Clarence E. Lightner YMCA End of the Year Celebration

o Participate in the annual Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers End of the Year Celebration. This is the time when Adult and Teen Achievers’ accomplishments throughout the year are acknowledged and rewarded.

o Recruit other Adult Achievers and Corporate Sponsors In order to continue the growth and development of the Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers program.

Adult Achievers are asked to recruit other influential leadership. The strength of our leadership impacts the number of young people we are able to reach.

Adult Achievers are also asked to identify potential corporate sponsors. Corporate sponsors are asked to contribute to the program, enabling the Lightner Y Achievers to provide scholarship money to more deserving teens.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE Y? Adequate training for all volunteers. Supplying of necessary materials, if feasible. Communication of pertinent details within the program. Support! We truly appreciate your commitment to the YMCA.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS Clusters: Led by YMCA staff and Adult Achievers who have related expertise in a

specific field. Enhancements: Scholarships, College Tours, Teen Advisory Council, Youth and

Government, Tutoring, Mentoring, Field Trips, Social Activities, Service Learning Projects, Parental Involvement

Adult Achievers Teen Achievers

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