G ORGANIZING
ACTION TEAMS/
SUBCOMMITTEES
When the team’s work is complex,
break the group into action teams
and/or subcommittees to complete
different parts of the work. This
allows the workload to be shared,
youth to build a variety of skills,
and engage in areas of interest.
Spreading out the work will make it
more manageable.
Create action teams and subcommittees.
• Include a video team, curriculum team, social
media team, data collection team, etc.
• Include youth and adults on all teams.
• Teams should choose their own strategies to
accomplish their tasks.
• Hold members accountable by using the youth
council’s online agenda (Google Doc) where
each action team/subcommittee updates their
action plan; see an example in the ”establishing
meeting structure” section.
• Allow teams to change over time and allow
team members to switch to different action
teams/subcommittees.
• Some teams may only run for a short
period and disband once the work is
complete.
• Other teams will continue for the entirety of
a project or even be ongoing, due to their
assigned task.
• Utilize large-group time to report out and keep
teams connected.
• Take an inventory of youth members’ talents
and skills and incorporate them in every way
possible.
H MAKING
IT FUN
AND CELEBRATING!
Having fun is the most important
aspect of any high-performing team.
Celebrate success, big and small,
and celebrate each other to
build camaraderie.
Make it fun.
• Consider hosting the first youth council
meeting, if resources allow, at an off-site
location that builds teamwork and relationships
(i.e., a laser tag or mini-golf facility, a group
hike, ropes course, etc. In planning this, just
remember to be conscientious of varying
interests and abilities).
• Plan a celebration mid-way through the year
and at the end of the year.
• A winter party is a fun way to give students
a much-needed break around finals.
Document achievements.
• Make videos and take photos to document
successes.
• Seek feedback from youth, including exit
interviews, intent-to-return surveys, etc.,
with a “why they are on the council” section.
• Quotes and videos are great to have for later
inspiration.
• Publicize your work with staff, students, families,
and the school community using:
• Youth Councils one-pager
• District newsletters or websites
• Weekly Thursday folders
• Morning announcements
• School letters to families
• At meetings, point out the work you’ve
accomplished at different times during the year.
• Lift up the impact you’re having.
• Explain why the impact matters.
• Explain how the youth are making
a difference.
kp.org/artsintegratedresources
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