|
Advisor's Role & Function
|
The success of the Youth In Government Program is dependent upon the Youth in Government advisor from the local district. It is the advisor who has the daily relationship with the youth that is needed if the program is to achieve its stated goals and purposes.
Good leadership is basic to any program. Your assistance with the groups that attend Youth In Government is greatly appreciated. Youth do not always vocalize about their advisor, but sooner or later they do acknowledge an advisor's contribution, particularly that of one who is genuinely friendly and decisive in situations when necessary. Good advisors are the backbone of Youth In Government. The educational level of the program clearly depends upon the level of responsibility of the advisor.
The advisor's job is one of facilitating the youth in having the kind of experience which calls for great learning, develops the personhood of each participant and brings about an understanding of our legislative and political system.
Each delegation must provide one adult advisor (who must be 21 years of age or older) for every eight youth. The advisor should receive from the state office all necessary orientation and training needed to effectively function in the Youth In Government program.
To function effectively in the statewide Youth In Government Program, the advisor is required to:
 |
- Attend the fall conference.
- Attend the four-day Lansing Conference. All advisors must be present in the program area to which they are assigned at all designated times.
- Prepare participants before hand in parliamentary procedures, preparation of bills, candidacy for office and code of conduct
- Conduct themselves in an orderly and responsible manner. Nothing will be done in this leadership role to encourage students to commit any infractions of the rules.
- Attend all required meetings.
|
Advisors must attend the fall conference and state conference with their students. Any new advisor that fails to attend the fall conference will not be eligible to attend the state conference. Exceptions will be dealt with by the directors on a case by case basis.
All new advisors will participate in a mentoring program. Veteran advisors will be contacted prior to the state conference to be asked to participate as a mentor. The concept is to assist new advisors with new and unfamiliar information. The mentor advisor will be the first approach to problem solving. The mentor’s responsibilities will include frequent overseeing and advisement assistance with any procedures that may be unclear. Problem solving will be dealt with when necessary and appropriate.
|
You and the YMCA Working Together
|
It is important that you are the first line of authority with the group that you bring. Meet with them before you come to Lansing and let them know what you expect in behavior and attendance at sessions.
The use of the Capitol building and the cooperation of senators, representatives, elected and appointed state officials is a unique experience. Behavior and dress at the hotel headquarters and the capitol is important. Dress appropriately. We of the State YMCA of Michigan have guidelines for these situations. When we are confronted with a problem that you should be involved with, our staff will confer with you and together work it out. We believe that those young people whose objective is partying should be told not to come. Activities such as drinking, gambling, use of controlled substances, immorality, and the like, have no place at Youth In Government. Ground rules have been established and action determined concerning such behavior. (See Code of Conduct) All adults are expected to adhere to the program codes and regulations.
All advisors will have direct responsibility over their delegations as well as responsibilities to the overall program and will accept their assigned duties to assure the success of the program.
|
Termination of Advisor Responsibility with YIG
|
Advisors should understand that their affiliation with Youth in Government may be terminated if they are found to be in violation of any of the provisions of the program codes or regulations. Please be advised that the following procedure will be followed when violations occur.
If a director receives notice that an advisor has violated the rules and procedures of Youth in Government, the directors shall request that the advisor and other affected parties attend an informal meeting to determine whether a violation has occurred. If the directors determine that a violation has occurred, the directors shall issue a verbal warning requesting that the violation be corrected within a reasonable time. If the violation continues and is not corrected within a reasonable time frame, the directors shall issue a written notice informing the advisor that the violation must cease within a specific time period established by the directors. The time frame for completion of the corrective action shall be set forth in the written notice. In those situations where the violations continue or have not been corrected within the time period set forth in the written notice, the directors shall immediately notify the advisor that they have been terminated from further participation with Youth in Government. Not withstanding the procedures set forth above, a director may immediately terminate any individual, group of individuals, chapter advisor or school from participating in the Youth In Government program for any misrepresentation to Youth in Government or any director, including but not limited to the bringing of unregistered students or jeopardizing the health of safety of any student or participant.
Any advisor terminated under this section may request in writing that the termination be reviewed by the Youth In Government Board of Directors. The decision by the Board of Directors shall be final.
