Delegation Resource Manual: Club Work
Page
5
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
CHAPTER 2: Starting and Managing a Club
Starting a New Club
First, congratulations for wanting to take the step in creating a Youth & Government club! Many
caring adults have taken the same step as you are considering. To get started, you need four things:
1.
Commitment to the Program
Clubs that have the support of their school or YMCA administrations are more likely to be
successful. Three of the biggest challenges advisors have are internal paperwork
requirements, securing funding, and arranging transportation. With the support of your
administration, these three challenges will be reduced. To help develop a commitment to
the program, a member of the program staff would be more than willing to meet with
members of your administration. Contact the program office and we can schedule a visit to
your school or YMCA.
2.
Place to Meet
The most successful clubs have regularly meetings in preparation for the Model Government
Convention. Some delegations meet at their YMCA of school. Others have arrangements
to meet at their town hall, community centers, library, or even in the basement of churches
or other non profit organizations. When trying to secure a meeting place, keep in mind its
accessibility and availability. You will want a meeting place your students can easily get to
and find. Additionally, you need a place that you can have every week at the same time for
your regular meeting place.
3.
Advisors
An advisor that is dedicated to the program is essential to the success of the group. The
advisor should be someone 21 years of age or older, available for the weekly meetings,
accessible to students (on student hours), and able to motivate them. It helps to have a few
advisors to help out as volunteers. The program office maintains a list of program alumni in
the region, and would be happy to connect you with any alumni in your area who could
volunteer to help you start up your delegation.
4.
Students
Identifying the students is also very important to the program’s success. The ideal students
to start a club with are those interested in public policy, government, debating, or law.
Although there is no model student for the program, these students generally are most
interested – and are the leaders of their schools (which helps with recruitment). The student
leaders for your club at the beginning should be outspoken, friendly, and responsible
individuals who are willing to work. You can find your initial student members from
leadership clubs at their school, seeking out the student council, talking with guidance
counselors / English / Social Studies teachers, reaching out to the service clubs in your
community, and speaking with members of the clergy in the community.
It is very important that you speak with the program staff during the club start-up process. We are
here to help you every step of the way. Feel free to call or e-mail us at any time!
