Delegation Resource Manual: Club Work
Page 6
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Club Organization Standards
The following organization standards are provided not as steadfast rules, but as guides to help
maximize the student learning experience. The best experience is based on membership in a small
group (club) for youth between the ages of 12 to 18 (generally 25 or fewer members). (Hint: make
an effort to balance membership between grades to ensure the longevity of the program and reduce class dominance.
There is nothing wrong with having multiple clubs within one larger school or YMCA!)
A caring adult role model, preferably a volunteer, works with the group of teens. (In some
cases, especially when first starting a club, the advisor may be the YMCA professional staff
person).
The group meets regularly for an extended period of time – both before and after the
conference weekend. There are incentives and opportunities for continued involvement
beyond that time frame. (Hint: the journey is more important than the destination; growth opportunities
occur through regular interactions at weekly or bi-weekly club meetings.)
The group’s activities lead up to at least one major event involving teens from other areas
(Hint: the Model Government Convention in Harrisburg is built in as this opportunity but do not stress this
as the reason to be in the club. It is a goal to achieve but still only one component.)
All activities address at least one of the four goals of YMCA teen leadership programs:
leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development.
(Hint: the growth process enabled by Youth and Government should include more than just a government-
based curriculum.)
Teens assume responsibility for planning their own activities under the supervision of caring
adult role models. (Hint: train the officers as SERVANT LEADERS, mentor them regularly, and
trust them to run the club). This includes raising money to help pay the direct costs of the
program. (Hint: there are life lessons to be learned when a student must take responsibility for their own
participation.)
Servant Leaders Training
Youth & Government Clubs will elect Servant Leaders as officers to lead their club during the
school year. A typical Executive Committee should consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Chaplain, and Sergeant-at-Arms, however, other officer positions may be
created as needed by the club. Club Officer duties should mirror those of the Model Government
Convention Officers whenever possible. Some clubs may then organize sub-committees to plan and
implement various activities of the club such as service projects, fund-raising, guest speakers, field
trips, etc.
Officers can be elected in the spring at the end of the program cycle or in the fall at the beginning of
the school year. Either way, Officers need to be selected in time to attend the Club Officers
Training held in late September/Early October. This event gives the club officers a basic
understanding of the roles, duties, and responsibilities of the club officer. Topics vary from year to
year but may include such things as: Running Effective Meetings, Bill Writing, Effective Debate,
Running for Statewide office, etc. It also serves as an opportunity to network with officers from
around the state, which can be useful when running for statewide positions at Elections Convention.
