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Before moving on to discuss some of the specific processes you will need to go through to develop a Big Brothers Big Sisters program or Boys and Girls Club, it will help to review the following general guidelines for effective programs.
Effective preventive and developmental programs for children and young people:
- Are based on the research about what children and young people need, and on what works well in meeting these needs
- Teach children and young people to apply their knowledge, skills, and values in everyday life
- Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate activities
- Are closely connected to the major community institutions such as schools where children and young people spend considerable time, and to other programs where children and young people participate
- Involve peers, families, and parents as partners
- Take a holistic approach, recognizing the social, emotional, physical, cultural, and intellectual developmental needs of children and young people
- Recognize that children and young people live, learn, and play in multiple environments that need to be positive, caring, and supportive
- Respond flexibly to the unique needs, strengths, and capacities of each child and young person
- Incorporate high quality trained staff and volunteers, and on-going planning and evaluation
- Are sustainable over the longer term.
Focus on these guidelines as you undertake the processes described in the remainder of this chapter. You will be more likely to achieve effective programming for your community’s children and youth.
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