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Advisors Information

Overview

The most important element of Youth & Government is the Advisor. The success of the program is dependent on how well prepared an advisor is for his/her role. It is the advisor who has the daily relationship with the youth that is needed if Youth & Government is to achieve the stated goals, objectives and purposes. As a YIG Advisor, you will embark on a series of adventures that you may have never imagined, with people you never thought you’d meet, in places you’d never though you’d go. And when you’re done, you’ll have memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

 

 

What are the essential qualities of an advisor?

  • Organized

  • Motivated to work with teens

  • Understanding

  • Flexible

  • Ability to enforce rules

  • Be willing to laugh at yourself  

  • Values-oriented (especially the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility)

 

Prerequisites of Advisors

  • Be at least 21 years of age (unless written request for waiver has been submitted and approved by the Executive Director of the YMCA Youth & Government Program).

  • Must have a minimum of one advisor over 21 for every 20 delegates.

  • Be removed from being a Youth & Government delegate for at least one year.

  • Be a mature, dependable and responsible individual.

  • Relate well to and enjoy working with high school age youth.

  • Have group facilitation experience or be willing to receive training in this area.

  • Having a basic understanding of state legislative processes is helpful.

  • Be a positive role model to delegates and an effective representative of the program.

  • Be organized, attentive to detail, and have good follow through skills.

 

Responsibilities

A YMCA Youth & Government Advisor's job includes recruiting, training, and supervising high school youth to form a delegation.

  • The Advisor facilitates a team building process where learning, individual growth, and skill development are encouraged.

  • The health and safety of participants is an ongoing responsibility. Advisors should be aware and abide by current accepted YMCA health and safety standards.

  • Receive, read and understand all program bulletins and assure all deadlines are met.

  • Ensure that the YIG program and local YMCA policies are adhered to at all times.

  • Ensure that the YIG Code of Conduct is understood and agreed to by all delegates and parents. In accepting this position each advisor also commits to this code.

  • Develop a schedule and meetings to plan special events/fundraiser's, and to prepare delegates for their roles in Sacramento. Attend all meetings.

  • Work with delegates to develop a process for bill development and selection. Ensure that appropriate bill formats are followed.

  • Attend all program conferences

  • Oversee club meetings and provides supervision at club activities.

  • Encourage students to take responsibility.

  • Assist club officers in planning and promoting club activities and developing the yearly calendar, to ensure that all activities are consistent with the goals of the club.

  • Communicate regularly with club members and parents.

  • Act as liaison with the State YMCA of Maine Youth in Government Program Director and staff, and conveys problems, questions and/or concerns as may be necessary

  • Actively participates in or facilitates training activities on local level

  • Be available to delegation for consultation on matters of procedure, personal relations And general information regarding Youth & Government.        

  • Promote and represent sound political ethics and values.

  • Promote the understanding and enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

  • Leads a group of teen participants in experiences related to leadership training, citizenship, and participation in government

  • At each conference conduct delegation meetings. Assure that each delegate attends scheduled sessions.

  • Attend all advisor meetings and assist with general conference duties

  • Actively support the YIG program goals and objectives.

 

Behavior Supervisor

  • Preparing delegation on what to expect from the YMCA Youth and Government experience.

  • Helping the delegation to set standards of appropriate behavior so that they assume ownership of the standards.

  • Dealing with behavior problems within the delegation and rectifying them.

  • Accepting personal and delegation adherence to the Code of Conduct.

 

Administration Mechanics

  • The mechanics of YMCA Youth & Government are very important to a well coordinated statewide program. Advisors are responsible for the following:

  • Delegation registration forms to the district coordinators by due date.

  • Delegation bills, memorandums of support and resource credentials to District Coordinator. Advisors must make sure that bills are in proper form to be included in the Bill Book.

  • Travel plans to and from the State Conference weekend.

 

Administration Finances

  • Financing a YMCA Youth & Government delegation is a program in itself. Advisors should consider the following in a funding strategy:

  • Develop delegation budget - income/expense

  • Start installment plan for submission of fees/dues.

 

Advisors Code of Ethics

  • Advisors will refrain from using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during program activities is prohibited.

  • Advisors shall not abuse teens in any way including:

  • verbal abuse - humiliate, degrade, threaten; and

  • sexual abuse - inappropriate touching or sexual innuendos

  • Advisors treat equally teens of all races, religions, cultures, sexual orientation and economic levels, with respect and consideration.

  • Advisors use positive techniques or guidance, including redirection, anticipation of and elimination of potential problems, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism.

  • Advisors will abstain from humiliating or frightening techniques.

  • Advisors will not use profanity in the presence of teens or parents.

  • When working with teens, advisors must be free of conditions that might adversely affect another's health, including significant fever or contagious disease.

  • Advisors will portray a positive role model for teens by maintaining an attitude of respect, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.

 

Responsible To:

The person performing these services will be accountable to the Program Director of the Youth & Government Program.

 

It is the Policy of the Maine YMCA Youth & Government that in order to provide Local YMCA Delegations with the best possible program and services,

 

 
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