Working with Young Marines

Building Effective Young Marines Partnerships

Once you identify local Young Marines units, building an effective partnership requires understanding how to work together appropriately. This lesson covers practical collaboration strategies.

Making Initial Contact

1. Identify the unit commander (adult leader)
2. Introduce yourself as Lodge DAP Chair
3. Explain Elks DAP and the national partnership
4. Propose an initial joint activity
5. Exchange contact information

Appropriate Partnership Activities

Young Marines Assist Elks

• Help at DAP event booths
• Distribute materials at community events
• Participate in Red Ribbon Week activities
• Assist with set-up and clean-up

Elks Support Young Marines

• Provide DAP materials for their programs
• Offer meeting space at the lodge
• Sponsor youth to Young Marines events
• Recognize outstanding Young Marines

Joint Activities

• Combined community service projects
• Joint presentations at schools
• Shared booths at community events
• Combined Red Ribbon Week celebrations

Working with Youth Appropriately

Supervision

• Young Marines always remain under their adult leaders
• Do not supervise youth directly—work through their leaders
• Ensure appropriate adult ratios at all events

Communication

• Communicate through adult leaders, not directly with youth
• Plan activities with unit leadership
• Respect their chain of command

Planning Joint Events

Coordination Checklist

• Meet with unit commander to plan
• Define roles and expectations clearly
• Confirm date, time, location
• Discuss logistics (transportation, meals)
• Ensure appropriate permissions from parents

Day of Event

• Brief Young Marines on what to expect
• Assign appropriate tasks for age and ability
• Supervise through their adult leaders
• Thank youth and leaders at conclusion

Maintaining the Partnership

• Attend Young Marines events when invited
• Recognize their contributions publicly
• Provide certificates or letters of appreciation
• Plan regular joint activities
• Build personal relationships with unit leadership