SATURDAY MEETING PROCEDURE & PHILOSOPHY
TO BE READ ALOUD BY THE YOUTH LEADER
We are Youth Understanding Youth, a, peer support and discussion group.
This is an emotionally and physically safe and confidential place where
we show respect and trust each other by listening as we take turns
speaking. YUY is a drug and alcohol free space.
- We believe that all people exploring their sexuality are welcome and we won’t pressure people to label themselves.
- We believe in respecting the confidentiality of the group and the privacy of the individual.
- We believe in treating each unique individual with equality and fairness.
- We believe that personal attacks have no place here. We challenge opinions, not people.
- We don’t believe in pressuring others and we don’t make assumptions about people.
- We try to keep personal disputes outside the group.
- We acknowledge and accept that people will make mistakes.
- We maintain a clean space.
- We have our cell phones and electronic devices off for the entire meeting period.
Welcome any new youth and ask if anyone has any questions about YUY.
Positives
& Negatives: Go around the group with each person giving their name
and one good experience and one bad experience of the week. State that
it's okay to "pass". Ask an icebreaker question that will relax
everyone (ex. Who would be your dream date?)
After everyone has finished sharing, ask for any announcements. Announce this Saturday's activity.
Break: 5-10 minutes
Present this Saturday's activity.
Close
Meeting: Announce interesting upcoming community events and next
Saturday's activity. Thank everyone for coming and state that you hope
to see everyone again. Announce that everyone is welcome to go for
coffee together at Second Cup on Jasper and 109st.
Consequences for violating the YUY Philosophy
First Offence: One or more adult facilitators will speak to the youth member about their behaviour.
Second
Offence: The offending youth member will be asked to sign a behavioural
contract that reflects the beliefs and expectations outlined in the YUY
philosophy statement.
Third Offence: The offending youth member will be asked to leave YUY and not return to the youth group for a set period of time.
The
expelled youth member will be informed of the length of their
suspension, which will determined by the facilitators. At the end of
the suspension period, the youth member will be required to meet with
the facilitators and the YUY youth representatives who will determine
if and under what conditions the youth member may return to the group.
*
Please note that YUY facilitators have the right and responsibility to
suspend youth group members from the group if their conduct is deemed
to be abusive, threatening, or dangerous. In extreme situations the
police will be notified immediately.
The consequences
listed above were created by the YUY members at the May 2004 planning
meeting. They are applicable to all YUY members and guests.
Come join in the friendship every Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00pm