Joint Activities and Mentoring - Partnership & Outreach

Meaningful Youth Engagement

Partnerships with youth organizations like Young Marines work best when young people are meaningfully engaged. This lesson covers how to create valuable experiences for youth volunteers.

Designing Youth-Appropriate Roles

Elementary and Middle School Youth (8-13)

Distribute materials and giveaways
Assist with set-up and simple tasks
Participate in activities alongside adults
Be visible ambassadors for drug-free living

High School Youth (14-18)

Help present portions of programs
Lead activities with younger children
Manage event logistics
Serve as peer role models

Youth Participation in Presentations

Young Marines can enhance DAP presentations:

Open or close with a personal statement
Share their commitment to drug-free living
Distribute materials during the program
Participate in interactive elements

Guidelines for Youth Participation

Prepare and practice with them beforehand
Keep their roles brief and age-appropriate
Do not put them on the spot with difficult questions
Support them if they get nervous

Mentoring Opportunities

Elks can mentor Young Marines through DAP:

Model positive adult behavior
Share your commitment to community service
Explain how Elks makes a difference
Encourage their leadership development

Informal Mentoring

Take time to talk with youth at events
Show genuine interest in their activities
Praise their efforts and contributions
Remember their names and details

Recognition and Appreciation

Immediate Recognition

Thank youth personally at each event
Acknowledge them publicly when appropriate
Provide small tokens (DAP items, snacks)

Formal Recognition

Certificates of appreciation
Letters to their unit commander
Recognition at lodge meetings
Feature in lodge newsletter or website

Building Future Elks

Youth volunteers may become future Elks:

Introduce them to the Elks mission
Share information about scholarships and programs
Invite families to lodge events
Plant seeds for future membership