[YL] teen peer leaders

[Janet Morrison]

Teenagers have been some of my best workers...they don't cost as much and they know the community.
   
  When we had a summer program, our teenagers were the only employees besides the cook. I would definitely pay him. Paying him lets him know that you value him as well as allows you to set up expectations and accountability. (Will he still be allowed to play on the computers? Is he supposed to supervise? Does he need to troubleshoot for people or just be present?) From experience, I would definitely have a formal job description written up so that he will know what is expected of him and so that you will know you communicated those expectations. Even though he is there everyday, I would probably open it up to anyone who wanted to apply and then interview each person--even though you may still choose him because he is the most qualified. This lets everyone know this is a serious position. If the others ask why they didn't get the job, I would inform them of why he *did* get the job...because he is there every morning, which shows dedication, and his behavior demonstrates
 responsibility. The other teens need to know that so that they can work toward that position next year.
   
  Hope this is helpful. I'd be glad to share more if you have any other questions. I think hiring teenagers from the community is the best approach to any program. They learn job skills and they also understand the community and can offer great suggestions to build the program.
   
  Janet Morrison

matt crichton <bigchainring at hotmail.com> wrote:
  hi all

We at egleston ymca are wanting to keep some eyes on the computer lab early 
in the morning.
There is a teen that always seems to be in the lab early mornings, and we 
think he would be a good person for a teen peer leader position.


Does anyone else have peer leaders?
How do you do it with and/or without money?
How did you approach it?
What suggestions do you have for making it work?

thanks.
matt

==================================
Matt Crichton
CyberY Developer
YMCA Boston/Training, Inc.
18 Tremont St.; Suite 400
Boston, MA 02108
617-542-1800 x32
mcrichton at ymcaboston.org
bigchainring at hotmail.com
AmeriCorps VISTA 2000-2002 (Seattle, Boston)
LINC/YNPN Boston

We weep when light does not reach our hearts.||
We wither like fields if someone close does||
not rain their kindness upon us.||
Meister Eckhart||

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  "...no pedagogy that is truly liberating can remain distant from the oppressed by treating them like unfortunates and by presenting for their emulation models from among the oppressors."  ~Paulo Freire
  
Janet Morrison, Ed.D.
Director of Education
www.centraldallasministries.org 
214.426.3404-work 
214.498.6097-cell

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