Youth MOVE National | Youth Development Organization



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Youth MOVE National

Chapter Application

Included information:

Youth MOVE National Mission and Vision Statements

Chapter Benefits

Chapter Readiness Checklist

Chapter Application

Chapter Expectations

Statewide Chapter Responsibilities

Youth MOVE National Brand Policy

Chapter Dues Structure and Definitions

Approved List of Annual Youth MOVE Chapter Activities

Youth Guided Definition and Ladder of Youth Involvement

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Youth MOVE National’s Mission

We the members of Youth MOVE National will work as a diverse collective to unite the voices and causes of youth while raising awareness around youth issues.  We will advocate for youth rights and voice in mental health and the other systems that serve them, for the purpose of empowering youth to be equal partners in the process of change.

Youth MOVE National’s Vision

We the members of Youth ‘Motivating Others through Voices of Experience’ (MOVE) National envisions systems in which every young person that enters a youth-serving system is being prepared for life through genuine opportunities and authentic youth involvement throughout all systems levels.  We help guide the redevelopment of the systems so that no youth falls through the cracks.  We advocate for youth to utilize their power and expertise to foster change in their communities and in their own lives.

Youth MOVE National works toward the day when all people will recognize and accept the culture of youth, their families, and the communities that serve them in order to be truly culturally-competent.  Youth MOVE National looks forward to the day when youth are no longer treated as numbers, problems or caseloads, but as individuals and humans.  We will all stand as partners: youth, youth advocates, supporters, parents, and professionals to see our youth become successful.

Approved Chapters will receive the following benefits:

• Join a National Network of youth advocates and chapters

• National Leadership Team (Staff) available for chapter support and success

• Chapter Only E-newsletters full of opportunities: Resources, Conferences, Funding Opportunities

• Access to funds such as conference scholarships and Dare to Dream

• Access to our expert team of National Consultants

• Member Only Opportunities such as the National Young Leaders Network (NYLN)

• Chapter Toolkit designed specifically for YMN Chapters: 7 components

• Chapter Roadmap to Success planning tool

• Quarterly Chapter Networking and resource conference calls

• Youth MOVE branding and marketing

Do you have what it takes to Motivate Others through Voices of Experience?

Chapter Readiness Checklist

Are you ready to become a Chapter? The following checklist is a great guidance tool. If your group is already doing all of these things, then you should be ready to fill out and turn in your Youth MOVE Chapter Application; and, if not, working through this checklist can be a good starting point for your group! The Youth MOVE Chapter application process is created to ensure that groups are truly youth driven and ready to successfully engage in our national network of youth advocates.

( We have shared our interest in applying for Youth MOVE Chapter status with Youth MOVE National via email or phone and have scheduled a phone call with a Member Services staff person.

( We have a core group of young people committed to building a chapter whose mission and vision are in alignment with that of YMN

**whether it is 3 youth or 10 youth, all it takes is vision and dedication to make things happen**

( We are active and meeting regularly

**There isn’t a magic number of youth that makes a group successful**

( We meet at least once a month

( We have been meeting regularly for a year or more

( We have committed youth who have been educated on what Youth MOVE National does and is

( We have identified Chapter Leaders which include at least one youth advocate (ages 14-29) to receive YMN information and take on the responsibility of chapter reporting

( We have developed a Mission and Vision statement for our group

**We really love our Mission and Vision statements here at Youth MOVE National, but we would like to see you develop the M&V that’s best for YOUR group and community. During the application process we will check to make sure your mission and vision align with our mission and vision**

( We have identified potential partners, adult supporters, stakeholders, community members, and organizations who are interested in supporting our process to become and sustain a Youth MOVE Chapter

( We have engaged in strategic planning and asked ourselves where we are going as a group and how we plan to get there

( We have connected with other Youth MOVE Chapters and our Statewide Chapter (where applicable)

**Especially if there are other current Youth MOVE Chapters within the same state**

( We, as a youth-driven group, have collectively filled out a Youth MOVE National Chapter Application

Set yourself up for success!

Youth MOVE National frequently works with communities throughout the process of building their Youth MOVEment. Feel free to visit and explore our technical assistance options. From start-up support to strategic plans for sustainability – we’ve got you covered.

Groups who have begun the application process to become a chapter may benefit from Chapter rates for technical assistance. Please inquire!

Application Questionnaire:

Prior to submitting an application please reach out to Youth MOVE National to express your interest in applying for chapter membership. We work to get to know applicants before this application is submitted. Email info@ if you have any questions.

1. Is this group an existing youth group? ____ yes ____ no

If yes how many regularly active members do you have?   ___________

How many years has this group been active?    ____________

2. What youth populations does your group work with? (check all that apply)

□ Mental Health

□ Substance Abuse

□ Child Welfare

□ Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections

□ Residential Treatment

□ Runaway Youth

□ Homeless Youth

□ LGBTQI2-S

□ Special Education

□ Parenting Teens

□ Native Youth

□ HIV/AIDS

□ Vocational Rehab/Supported Employment

□ Physical Disability

□ Other:     _______________________________

3.   With 2-3 paragraphs please describe the group (include mission, vision, past and current community projects, major accomplishments, etc.).

4. How will the group support and promote youth voice within the larger community and child/youth serving systems?

5. How will your chapter’s youth voice be heard and seen within the larger community?

6. What type of Technical Assistance does this group anticipate needing? (This question is ‘non-graded’ and is for internal use only, as Youth MOVE National develops training curriculums and supports for chapters)  

7. Using the Ladder of Youth Involvement found on page 11, please rate your youth group.

(This question is non-graded).

8. Using the Ladder of Youth Involvement found on page 11, please rate your community.  

(This question is non-graded).

9. What tactics might you use to help this group and community MOVE up the Ladder of Youth Involvement?

10.  Please give specific examples of how this youth group plans to sustain itself (including fundraising,

community partnerships, donations, etc).

Youth Only Section

The following question MUST be answered by the youth leader(s) who are a part of the group applying to be a Youth MOVE Chapter. We encourage groups to have youth fill out the entire application. It is especially important that this question is answered by youth.

11. Why do you want to become a Youth MOVE Chapter?

12. Is this organization applying as a: (Please see Chapter Dues Structure and Definitions on page 7)

___ local chapter ___statewide network

13. Who wrote this chapter application? It is common for multiple individuals to be involved with the chapter application process. Please attach another sheet with additional names if needed.

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

_____________________________________ □ Youth Leader □ Supportive Adult

Name

Please attach any supplemental material and information such as brochures, flyers, logic models, strategic plans, or anything else you feel would be important for the National Review Committee to be aware of while making decisions on chapter acceptance.

We agree and support the submission of this application for chapter membership with Youth MOVE National. We have reviewed chapter responsibilities and benefits and are able to adhere to the Chapter Member Agreement should we be accepted as a YMN Chapter. This application has been completed with authentic youth voice.

_____________________________ ________________________________

Chapter Leader Name – Young Adult (Print) Chapter Leader Name - Supportive Adult Name (Print)

_____________________________ ________________________________

Chapter Leader - Young Adult Signature Chapter Leader - Supportive Adult Signature

Hosting Organizational Contact Information:

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address City State Zip Code

Email(s):_________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________________________________________

Application Submission Process:

Please complete this application and Scan/Email, Fax or Mail to the following:

Email: info@ and jboatwright@

Fax: 1-800-468-0499

Mail: Youth MOVE National

P.O. Box 215

Decorah, IA 52101

Chapter applications may be submitted at any time, however applications are reviewed twice per year.  

Spring Deadline: April 15 Fall Deadline: September 15

Filling out and submitting this application and agreement does not mean your group has been accepted as a Youth MOVE National Chapter.  Your application will be reviewed by a national committee and you will be notified of a decision within 30 days of the above deadline.  There may be requests for additional information from applicants in this time period.  It is the prerogative of Youth MOVE National to ensure that each chapter application received is coming from a youth-led initiative.  

Please do not send the completed Chapter Membership Agreement OR the chapter dues payment with this application.  Your organization will receive this paperwork and a dues invoice following acceptance by the Membership Committee.

Chapter Membership Expectations

A Chapter is a local or state youth-led organization that is approved to use Youth MOVE in its name and is entitled to full chapter membership privileges as outlined below. If your group applies and is accepted as a Youth MOVE chapter, you will be expected to abide by the following:

1. To endorse and promote the purposes of Youth MOVE National, Inc. as stated in the Mission Statement and the Vision of Youth MOVE National.

2. To affirm that the chapter is youth-led and exists to address attention to the needs of young adults and the chapter membership is made up of at least 60% young adults between the ages of 14-29.

3. To accept the REQUIREMENTS of CHAPTER STATUS as follows:

a. Will pay annual dues to Youth MOVE National

b. Will include the name “Youth MOVE (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience)” in the title of the organization and on organization letterhead (eg. Youth MOVE Springfield, Springfield Youth MOVE), and will use the Youth MOVE National Brand as directed in “Youth MOVE National Brand Policy” on page 7 in the Chapter Application

c. Will promote and encourage youth, youth advocates and organizations to join Youth MOVE National

d. Will communicate at least quarterly with Youth MOVE National via phone or email, and regularly update contact information. Contact information will include at least youth chapter lead and supportive adult.

e. Will participate in 3 mandatory activities to be completed annually, one event must be in celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness in May and the two other activities selected from a list of approved activities found in the Chapter Application

f. Will participate in a minimum of 6 monthly Chapter Chat calls (at least 1 chapter member)

g. Will participate in a minimum of 3 Direct Connect Learning Community webinars (at least 1 chapter member)

h. Will complete and submit an annual report to Youth MOVE National by January 15th for the previous calendar year OR engage in the reporting process with your statewide chapter as an affiliated chapter.

4. To accept the BENEFITS of CHAPTER STATUS as follows:

a. Join a National Network of youth advocates and chapters

b. National Leadership Team (Staff) available for chapter support and success

c. Chapter Only E-newsletters full of opportunities: Resources, Conferences, Funding Opportunities

d. Virtual Professional Development and Learning opportunities through Direct Connect Learning Community and Chapter Chat

e. Access to funds such as conference scholarships and Dare to Dream

f. Access to our expert team of National Consultants

g. Member Only Opportunities such as the National Young Leaders Network (NYLN)

h. Chapter Toolkit designed specifically for YMN Chapters and access to resources

i. Youth MOVE branding and marketing

Chapter Dues Structure

Local Chapter: $150

Independent local chapters of Youth MOVE National without a statewide chapter identified

Statewide Chapter option #1 - $200

Chapters who have one statewide chapter with no intention of developing local chapters. The statewide chapter will support a statewide network of individuals and Youth MOVE supporters.

Statewide Chapter option #2 - $200 for Statewide PLUS $150 per local chapter

Each local chapter applies for chapter status with Youth MOVE National and pays chapter dues thus

receiving full benefits as an individual chapter and has direct access to Youth Move National and to the

statewide chapter. The statewide chapter also applies for YMN chapter status and accept responsibility of supporting the development of a statewide network of chapters and will be supported by YMN in this manner.

How do we know if we are a statewide or local chapter?

Statewide Chapter:

A statewide chapter within the Youth MOVE National Chapter network is a youth-led organization that has a focus of affecting positive change using expert and authentic youth voice at the state level. The chapter’s primary focus would be network building across systems, organizations, geographic regions within a state and would focus advocacy efforts at state policy. Statewide chapters who function in a state with local or Youth MOVE chapters will engage in the creation of a statewide network of these youth groups.

If you are not a statewide chapter then you are a local chapter!

Local Chapter:

A local chapter within the Youth MOVE National Chapter network is a youth-led organization that has a focus on a specific community including a city, county, or region. This community of focus is smaller in geographic size and population than that of the entire state in which the chapter is located.

If you are not sure which description fits your group, please contact us.

Roles and Responsibilities of Statewide Chapters

A statewide chapter in the Youth MOVE National Chapter Network agrees to:

-Align with the mission and vision of YMN

-Create a supportive environment for all youth who desire to join in the work of Youth MOVE

-Work to create statewide Youth MOVE network including:

-partnering with all local Youth MOVE chapters within the state

-accepting and working with any new youth-driven organizations desiring to join YMN

-Provide youth representation and voice at the state level

-Remain available for questions and concerns from local YM Chapters

-Strengthen the connection between YMN and all YM Chapters in the state

A statewide chapter may also take on additional roles including but not limited to:

-Establish Youth MOVE as the expert source of youth voice within the state

-Host events for young people from local chapters to attend

-Assist with local YM chapter development across the state

-Support local YM chapters with a chapter network which may include conference calls or gatherings

-Provide stability for all YM chapters in the state

Youth MOVE National Brand Policy

We provide many resources to help Youth MOVE National chapters develop.  All rights to the copyrights, trade names, trademarks, logos or service marks of Youth MOVE National (YMN), whether registered or unregistered, whether owned by YMN or held by YMN as a license, are expressly reserved by and for YMN.  The use of materials provided by YMN is fully subject to the terms specified here.

Each Youth MOVE Chapter, upon receiving acceptance as a Youth MOVE Chapter, will include the name “Youth MOVE (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience)” in the title of the organization and on organization letterhead, printed materials and resources developed.

e.g. Youth MOVE Springfield OR Springfield Youth MOVE

Improper Use:

You may not use our trademarks in a way that suggests that your work or any service or goods you provide are being provided by YMN and not you.  Your chapter services and projects should bear a name that is unique to you group.

You must obtain YMN’s permission if you would like to use our copyrighted materials on your website or in your work.  Please note that linking to our website does not require permission.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain Youth MOVE National as a sustainable and meaningful trademark.  Compliance with these guidelines help protect the goodwill in all of our trademarks and strengthen the reputation of your work!

Youth MOVE Chapter Activities

Chapters in the Youth MOVE National network are required to participate in at least three projects or activities annually which are directly in relation with Youth MOVE National’s mission.

One of the three required activities must be connected with the promotion of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which occurs the first week of May. Any of the following ideas could be used for this activity, but please feel free to look beyond this list for this important awareness raising day.

At least two other projects should be planned and implemented by each Youth MOVE chapter. These should be selected from the following list and may occur at any time during the year.  Most chapters are involved in many more activities throughout the year - this list should not be found limiting or restrictive.

Information about these activities will be reported in each chapter’s annual report due December 15 each year.

Activities to Raise Awareness

Design posters for schools, libraries, youth centers, and community organizations and agencies

Design bookmarks, postcards to distribute at every library in your community

Create a PSA for a local radio station or cable TV

Write press releases about Children's Mental Health Week for local newspapers and newsletters or other important mental health topics throughout the year

Write editorials to local newspapers

Host panel discussions with youth who have experienced the mental health system educating providers, educators, general community, etc...

Creation of Digital Stories

Develop community resources including brochures and guides for youth

Activities to Support Youth Involvement

Leadership, Advocacy, Strategic Sharing Trainings

Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Conference*

Youth Celebration*

Youth Summit or Rally*

*Activities should focus on areas outlined in Youth MOVE National’s mission and vision, i.e. Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Substance Abuse, and be youth-initiated.  

Activities to Strengthen Community

Community Service

Marketing/education campaigns including awareness raising and stigma reduction

Trips to state/federal capitals for legislative policy

Collaborate with other youth driven organizations to create sustainable change in youth serving systems

Community Mapping

Evaluation of youth services available

Activities to Sustain Chapter

Apply for grants

Create website

Participate in YMN’s Dare to Dream program

Hold fundraisers

Youth Guided Definition and Ladder of Youth Involvement

*Please refer to the following information as you complete the application.

Youth Guided Definition

Youth Guided means that young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and procedures governing care for all youth in the community, state and nation.  This includes giving young people a sustainable voice, being listened to, and the focus should be towards creating a safe environment enabling a young person to gain self sustainability in accordance to the cultures and beliefs they abide by.  Further, through the eyes of a youth guided approach we are aware that there is a continuum of power that should be given to the young people based on their understanding and maturity in this strength based change process. Youth guided also means that this process should be fun and worthwhile.

-Definition written by Youth MOVE National with support from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of America (SAMHSA)

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This ladder was created to show the direction organizations need to climb in order to achieve authentic youth involvement.  Organizations often find themselves in the bottom three rungs of this ladder until plans are implemented to bring youth into decision making roles in an environment that is safe and where youth voices are heard.

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For Office Use Only:  

Date Chapter Application Received: ____________________________

Date Membership Decision Made: ______________________________

Accepted:   Yes No

Date Applicant Notified: __________________________________

Director of Member Services Signature: _______________________________________

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