Hints for youth leaders

Title

Language

English

Year

1972

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

CYO Hints For Youth Leaders The Catholic Youth Organization is co-sponsoring a city-wide basket ball tournament in the city of Ma nila covering its four districts. This summer activity is intended for the young people especially for those who will be idle during the school vacation. In order to have a mas sive participation among the youth of the four districts, the Youth Bureau of the Office of the Mayor, the Manila Metropolitan Police and the Manila Department of Social Welfare will join hands to promote this project in coordination with the CYO. There will be two divisions for the tournament— juniors,, for 20 years below, and midget, 15 years below. 'Elimination rounds will be conduct ed separately in each district with the supervision of the district precint commander to select five teams in each division. These qualifying teams will represent their respective district in the championship round. About 1,200 or more enthusiasts are expected to be participating in the said tournament. Some other activities are being planned during and after the league like basketball clinics, seminars on the danger of drugs and spiritual and leadership conferences. It is expected that this summer activity will lead to the organiza tion of clubs and organizations similar to the CYO. The main ob jective of the tournament however, is to provide wholesome sports and recreation for the youth — an effec tive deterrent to crime and other vices. Success in establishing and conducting an active youth group depends largely upon the proper frame of mind with which the adult workers approach their task. Any intimation that your council is undertaking a "reform movement” among the youth who will participate should be avoided. Your group should be formed or sponsored with the ex press purpose of providing construc tive outlets for the energy of your teen-agers. The majority of these, both boys and girls, are of good, so lid, intelligent stock, and justifiably resent, bitterly and deeply, any in ference that they are to be classed with the highly publicized juvenile delinquents who are actually in the minority. Here are seven rules to help you to success: 1. Plan—don’t speculate! The youth of today want action and results. They are not interested in promises of future activity or in lazy plans which depend upon a long-range pro gram to show results. If you are about to sponsor a youth group, have everything planned well in advance before calling for young people to join the group. Know exactly for what purpose the group is to be formed and tell them at the first meeting. Be prepared to present definite plans for immediate action in the form of spe cific projects. 2. Suggest—don’t demand! Always present such plans in the form of sug gestions. Allow the members of the group to select their projects and make their own plans. Helpful advice and practical illustration will be wel comed by them. 3. Lead—don’t push! Don’t try to force your group to work on projects they do not like. Point out the favor able values of a contemplated activity and thus inspire the group to work willingly and eagerly. 4. Help—don’t do! Even if the work itself appeals to you—don’t do it. Help with suggestions, ideas, short-cuts, etc., but let the group members do the actual work. 5. Demonstrate — don’t talk! Re member that "one picture is worth 10,000 words” when presenting an idea for a project. Encourage guest speakers to show the group what to do and how to do it. Words weary the young—practical illustration intrigues them. 6. Praise and correct—don’t con demn and criticize! Always take the positive approach. Praise what is done well. If errors are made, tactfully point out the correct way to do the work in the future. 7. Thank—don’t take for granted! Always show appreciation for work well done at once. Don’t take good work—or any honest effort, for that matter—for granted. Thank your young people often. Make them feel that everything well done has been noted and approved of. Help organize youth clubs in your community. Young boys and girls are potential workers. May-June, 1972 Page 19

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