What is the Community Action Team?
Back for it's second year, the Community Action Team aims to make high
school students more active participants in their community. We do this
through bi-monthly meetings that focus on topics such as leadership,
communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and diversity.
Using a grant from the Vermont Children's Forum and Vermont Rural Partnerships, the Community Action Team will be using the Our Voice: Our Community Curriculum that will
engage students as well as develop them as leaders.
Over the course of the school year, students will learn how to plan, implement, and lead a service learning project that will improve the community in which they live.
Where can I find a schedule of events and meetings?
Each team member will be given a copy of the monthly schedule of events for the team. The schedule is also available online at www.gbymca.org/teens/CAT.
Why do I have to pay $30?
The membership dues will go to cover food for each meeting, staff, materials, and special trips. We will also be holding fundraisers to keep the costs low.
Is participation mandatory?
It is our goal that teens will want to participate in as many events and meetings as possible. We do understand that teens and families lead busy lives and other
commitments come up.
Can anyone sign up?
Absolutely! If you know anyone who would be interested in participating in the Community Action Team, have them come to a meeting or call the YMCA at 862-9622 ext 130.
Can we suggest projects, fundraising events, and discussion topics?
Please do! It is our hope that this group fills a few different needs and we are always open to ways to make our communities better. If you have an idea for a community
service project, discussion topic, or fun event, let us know.
What about transportation?
The YMCA has recently sold all of our 15 passenger vans due to growing safety concerns from insurance companies. If the Community Action Team holds a major event, the YMCA
will provide transportation, however we may need parents to volunteer to carpool for some smaller events. If you are willing to help drive occasionally, please let us know.
Who will be supervising the Community Action Team?
Aside from Christian Craig, the YMCA's Teen Director, we will have a few volunteers and some paid YMCA staff. All volunteers and staff go through an extensive screening process and are
chosen for their commitment to working with teens and the YMCA.
Developmental Assets
The Search Institute recently released a list of 40 Assets that they
found to be instrumental to the development of a child. The 40 Assets fall into two categories, External Assets and Internal Assets. External assets are the positive
experiences youth have in the environment that surrounds them. Internal assets are all about values, identities and social competencies. External assets "identify important
roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, and youth organizations can play in promoting healthy development." (Search Institute). Strong internal assets
will help young people, "make thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and confidence." (Search Institute)
Here is a sampling of the developmental assets the Community Action Team will be working towards:
External Assets
Community Values Youth - Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
Youth as Resources - Young people are given useful roles in the community.
Service to Others - Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
Safety - Young person feels safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood.
Adult Role Models - Parents(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
Positive Peer Influence - Young person's best friends model responsible behavior.
Youth Programs - Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in the community.
Internal Assets
Caring - Young person places high value on helping other people.
Restraint - Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
Planning and Decision Making - Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
Interpersonal Competence - Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.
Resistance Skills - Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
Personal Power - Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me."
Self-Esteem - Young person reports having a high self-esteem.
Sense of Purpose - Young person reports that "my life has a purpose."
Positive View of Personal Future - Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.
For more information, contact the Greater Burlington YMCA, 266 College St, Burlington, 862-9622 ext. 130.
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