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Work
from an agenda at every meeting. An agenda/checklist organizes the
meeting and helps every tribe member will know their responsibility.
-
Make
a big deal of the Parent/Child relationship. Do not compromise on
the issue of father/child being present at all events.
-
Emphasize
importance and require that invitations be made and personally delivered
by father and child. The longer the tribe is together, the more
difficult this becomes. Keep it up as long as possible.
-
Seating
arrangements are important. Form a circle with Princesses/Guides
on the floor in front of Dad. This arrangement helps in having an
orderly meeting.
-
Be
on time; start and end on time. Cooperation by everyone is imperative
if this is to be accomplished.
-
Get
a wampum report from every child, and either a feather earned or
"scouting report" from every child - time permitting.
It is important that each child get on their feet to speak at least
once each meeting. Dads, you control the time!
-
Talk
to the children; do not talk over their heads. Allow no dad's talk
- Save that for Dad's Only Meeting. Remember the purpose of the
program. (See 2 above) The children may understand more than you
think they do.
-
Use
talking stick - it is fun! Honor the concept and it will be a valuable
tool.
-
Use
names - it adds a great deal!!! This helps to set the tone
and spirit of the meeting.
-
Get
with the Program - assign tribal equipment (Tom-Tom, Tally Book,
Talking Stick, Totem Pole, Tribal Fire, Wampum Pouch, Tribal Box,
Headdress, etc.) Make a big deal of using the equipment in the meetings.
WEAR YOUR HEADDRESS.
-
Encourage
feather earning; talk to those who fall behind. Try to earn one
feather each month. Set the example.
-
Have
at least ONE (1) dad's only meeting in the fall. A second dad's
only meeting will probably be needed to make spring outing plans.
-
Tell
the children who the Great Spirit is and don't be afraid to pray
and give thanks (the s did). This is a YMCA Program and you
should remember what the "C" stands for.
-
Insist
on structure. Two (2) meetings and one (1) outing each month - this
will vary with your years in Program.
-
Recognize
that as in all things, you get out of the Program what you put into
the Program. If you put in an effort of 6, you will get a 6 in return.
Put in a 10 and you will get out a 10!