Recruiting Teens
Do you already have a team of teens ready to act? Or do you need a way to draw teens into T4PE? Some methods that have worked for adult advisors in the past are:
- Hold an Information Session: In just 30 minutes or so, you can explain T4PE and service-learning projects, answer questions, and find out who is truly interested. Offer refreshments and you're sure to get a crowd!
- Form a Partnership: Is there a local youth organization that may want to partner with you? Or do you have a relationship with a teacher at the local high school? There is always someone looking for the opportunity to form a partnership. Try finding a "Service-Learning Coordinator" or "Teen Volunteer Coordinator."
- Advertise: Whether it's through email, a newsletter, verbal announcements, or word-of-mouth, the more you advertise this opportunity, the better. Use this site to get teens excited about doing something for the environment.
- Offer a Reward: Each T4PE team has the amazing opportunity to apply for our annual Service Awards. This alone will be quite enticing for many teens. But if possible, any offer of a reward will help recruitment. And the reward need not be monetary: offers to write reference letters, sign off on school volunteer requirements, and similar offers work just as well, if not better.
- Ask for Help: If you need anything to help recruit teens, please don't hesitate to ask. We can create flyers, supply the T4PE logo and/or photos, brainstorm with you about how to create a motivated and well-rounded team, and more.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Barbara Murphy on -
I am curious about who (job wise) would is able to get a group of teens together other than a teacher or a person working with teens. As a teacher I never have a problem getting students to want to work, esp. if it is during a school day. Working with middle school students from a Title I school means transportation is up for me to provide. Most parents don't care or don't have the time to help out. Each year is a new challenge. If this sounds like a negative reply, it isn't meant to be. My school is closing, our outdoor classroom which was built two years ago is being torn down. We can be like a phoenix and arise from the ashes in this coming school year. Being able to teach a class in environmental education is a wonderful way to get students to act.
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Permalink Reply by Jeanine Silversmith on -
A lot of parents are pulled into teen projects, when the teen(s) are really motivated to do some type of project. Also, I hear of staff at different conservation/environmental organizations who don't necessarily have a teen program or work specifically with teens, but they want to get the community involved in something. So they become adult advisors.
And I can't imagine how hard it is for you to see what you've worked so hard for just be taken away. And the kids!! Are they completely distraught? I'm glad that you are hopeful for the coming school year. You might even want to start a new T4PE group called "The Phoenix" to carry out a project through your env. ed. class?
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