< Advisor Role >

Advisor assistance at ML/C.

The most important element of the Youth & Government Program is the Advisor. The success of the program is dependent on how well prepared an advisor is for his/her role.

The advisor's job is one of facilitating a positive experience for the young people who participate in the program. The job includes many responsibilities. An advisor should develop a schedule of meetings, a calendar with projected dates for accomplishing specific tasks, and be available to provide information and assistance to the delegates as they prepare for their roles.

Each YMCA must provide one "certified" advisor. Advisors become "certified" by attending specific training events held at the beginning of the program year. The ratio for certified advisors is one for every eleven youth, if you attend ADC, and one for even ten if you attend the one day certification. The ratio for non certified advisors is one for every seven youth. No delegation may participate without at least one "certified" advisor.

At least one advisor must be over 21 years of age. Advisors under 21 must be approved by the Y&G Executive Director in advance of their being accepted into the program. The advisor should receive from the local YMCA all necessary orientation and training needed to effectively function in the local YMCA's Youth & Government program.

To function effectively in the statewide Youth & Government Program, the advisor should plan to attend:

The Advisor Development Conference held in Bakersfield in September (2 days) the Training & Elections I Conference held in Paso Robles in mid November (3 days)
The Training & Elections II Conference held in Paso Robles in mid January (3 days)
The Youth & Government held in Sacramento in mid February (5 days)
The Spring Conference held in Corcoran in April (3 days)

The following sections will assist you with fulfilling your responsibilities as an advisor to a delegation. Included in these sections are explanations of the specifics of the program and many helpful hints to assist you in providing the best possible experience for your delegates. A special section is provided for new advisors who may need help in planning their weekly meetings. We have also included some information on "group building" and If valuing" that you might want to incorporate into your program.

Material in this notebook can be reproduced and shared with your YMCA's delegation at the appropriate times.

HOW AND WHEN TO GET STARTED

Advisors should begin recruitment as soon as possible and plan to meet from mid September continuing each week until the Model Legislature/Court in Sacramento in mid February. A wrap up meeting after the conference is also suggested. This helps delegates keep in touch with the program and provides advisors with the opportunity for important feedback and closure. Advisors should read and understand all suggested material prior to each meeting.

A month to month Advisor Preparation Checklist is included in this section. Delegations should meet on a weekly basis. Each delegation can determine which day of the week and time is best for all delegates. By utilizing the suggested meeting guides, the materials and information provided in this handbook, and the bulletins, an advisor can develop an exciting program, which will more than adequately prepare their delegates (and themselves) for a complete Y&G experience.

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