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Youth and Adult
STEP ONE - STRUCTURE When recruiting
members, do you use methods that will attract a diverse group of people
(youth and adults?) Have you outlined
recruitment criteria for new members (e.g., motivation for the cause,
time commitment, etc.) Do you have a system
in place for people of the same age to train new members? Are young people
included in visible leadership positions? Are young people
involved in all issues, not just those affecting their age group? Is there time for
all members to speak at meetings? Have you amended
bylaws or created policies stating that young people will be a permanent
part of governing your organization? Do you have at least
two young members on your governing body, or alternatively, a solid
youth advisory group? Do young people have equal voting status on your board, or does your advisory group substantially influence governance of the organization? STEP 2 - SUPPORT Do young people
have access to resources needed to participate in your group’s
work (e.g., long distance phone cards, faxes, overnight mail, computers,
and copy machines)? Is there a mentor
or buddy system in place? Are retreats held
to build cohesion in the group? Is an adult available to explain commitments to concerned parents? STEP 3 - ATTITUDE Is your group clear
about why you are involving youth in governance? Is some consideration
given for conflicts between board commitments and young people’s
participation in school activities? (Work meetings are often an acceptable
reason for adults to miss meetings. Is a basketball game given the same
consideration?) Does the group understand
that youth members do not represent the voice of all young people? Do group members ask questions and respectfully acknowledge that they can learn a lot from each other? STEP 4 - BEHAVIOR ADULT BEHAVIOR Do you continually
ask young people how you can better work together, and do you take their
recommendations seriously? Have you built close
relationships with the young people in governance? Do you keep your
commitment to young people consistent, not letting them be overshadowed
by “more important” meetings and commitments? Is equal weight
given to youth opinions? YOUTH BEHAVIOR Do you ask to be
on committees? Do you take initiative
in getting to know all the members of your governing body on a personal
level? Do you share your
thoughts and ask questions? Do you feel comfortable
enough to challenge/question patronizing behavior? STEP 5 - TRAINING Do you have an orientation
system in place? Is there training
for both youth and adults on understanding each other and how to become
allies? Do you offer training for young people and adults in general governance skills?
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