Online Chapter Application

As Youth M.O.V.E. National works to achieve the goals of its mission and vision, it relies heavily on local chapters to assist them. We live in a vast country and in order to reach people and make positive changes in local communities we need local chapters to support and carry on that work. That is why Youth MOVE National is looking to increase its chapters all across the country. If you would like your youth group to be a part of a national effort, then complete the application provided. Do you have what it takes to Motivate Others through Voices of Experience?

Chapter Membership Criteria:

A Chapter is a local youth run organization that is approved to use the name Youth MOVE in its name and is entitled to full membership privileges.

You must agree to the following to be considered for chapter acceptance:

1.     To endorse and promote the purposes of Youth MOVE National, Inc. as stated in the Mission Statement and the Vision of Youth MOVE National.

2.     To affirm that the organization is youth-led and exists to address attention to the needs of youth please provide a list showing the organization is made up of 60% youth between the ages of 13-25.

3.     To accept that the OBLIGATIONS of CHAPTER STATUS as follows:

a.     Will pay annual dues of $100.00 to the Youth MOVE National (due at the time of acceptance -- you'll be invoiced);

b.     Will include the name “Youth M.O.V.E. (motivating others through voices of experience)” in the title of the organization and on organization letterhead (eg.Youth MOVE Oregon, Youth MOVE Springfield), and the official logo of Youth MOVE National.

c.     Will promote and encourage individuals, families, and organizations to join Youth MOVE National.

d.     Will participate in 3 mandatory activities to be completed annually, one event must be during May (Children’s Mental Health Month) and the two other activities will be picked from a list of approved activities by Youth MOVE National as listed below.

e.     Will complete an annual report to the Youth MOVE National Board.

4.     To accept the BENEFITS of CHAPTER STATUS as follows:

a.     Will be placed on the Youth MOVE National List Serve and updated on Youth MOVE National information.

b.     Will be provided with all Youth MOVE logos and marketing materials.  

c.     You will become part of a larger network of Youth Motivating Others through Voice of Experience.

d.     Assistance with start up and design work which includes;

• An inspirational video for recruitment of new members.
• A road map and time line of where your chapter should be at certain stages.
• Step by step instructions for developing programs within your chapter.
• Guide to sustainability, and fundraising.
• Trouble shooting support.

Approved Activities for Youth MOVE Chapters:

Our board is always looking for additional activities to add to this approved list. We are happy to serve as a sounding board for potential projects as your group begins to plan and implement ideas. 

One of the three required activities must be connected with the promotion of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Any of the following ideas could be used for this activity, but please feel free to look beyond this list for this important awareness raising day! 

At least two other projects should be planned and implemented by your Youth MOVE chapter. These should be selected from the following list and may occur at any time during the year.

Activities to Raise Awareness

• Youth design posters for schools, libraries, youth centers, and community organizations and agencies. The posters can list myths and facts about mental illness, where to find help in the community, statistics, etc.
• Design bookmarks to distribute at every library in your community - including school library - with information about youth and mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.
• Create a PSA for a local radio station or cable TV
• Write press releases about Children's Mental Health Week for local newspapers and newsletters or other important mental health topics throughout the year
• Provide a panel discussion with youth who have experienced the mental system educating providers, educators, general community, etc...
• Stigma Busting

Activities to Reward and Improve Youth Involvement

• Stipends for youth serving on committees/boards
• Youth Conference*
• Youth Celebration*
• Youth Summit*

Activities to Strengthen Community

• Volunteering
• Marketing/education campaigns
• Trips to state/federal capitals for policy work
• Partnering with other groups to work together (i.e. juvenile justice or runaway/homeless, etc.)

*These projects should focus on areas outlined in Youth MOVE National’s mission and vision, i.e. Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, etc.

Please refer to the following information as you complete the application questionnaire. Don't forget to check out our mission and vision to make sure that your youth group aligns with our goals.

Youth Guided Definition and Ladder of Youth Involvement:

Youth Guided Definition

Youth Guided means that young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and procedures governing care for all youth in the community, state and nation.  This includes giving young people a sustainable voice, being listened to, and the focus should be towards creating a safe environment enabling a young person to gain self sustainability in accordance to the cultures and beliefs they abide by.  Further, through the eyes of a youth guided approach we are aware that there is a continuum of power that should be given to the young people based on their understanding and maturity in this strength based change process. Youth guided also means that this process should be fun and worthwhile.

Ladder of Youth Involvement

1. Youth Initiated and Directed

2. Youth Initiated, Shared Decisions with Adults

3. Youth and Adult Initiated and Directed

4. Adult Initiated, Shared Decisions with Youth

5. Consulted and Informed

6. Assigned and Informed

7. Tokenism

8. Decoration

9. Manipulation

This ladder was created to show the direction organizations need to climb in order to achieve authentic youth involvement.  Organizations often find themselves in the bottom three rungs of this ladder until plans are implemented to bring youth into decision making roles in an environment that is safe and where youth voices are heard.
 

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