Umpire Training - Online

1.  Watch Video #1 "Youth Umpire Mechanics" -   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogtRCo9mnQQ

2.  Watch Video #2 "Umpire Training with Umpire Teacher" -   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-LKdtD-Ds

3.  Take the quiz:  

http://www.rulesofbaseball.com/quiz.html​

4.  Schedule an appointment with Mr. Wiley to complete your personalized training.

Service Log:

5/19/2013: 

Twelve--12!--kind-loving, thoughtful, generous teenagers (no, that is not the world's greatest oxymoron) served up some big-time fun at River Rock yesterday.  What did they do? What didn't they do?!  

• Bailie, Josey, and Trista cheered on Eva and Mary as the two 80-some year olds stared down a mean set of bowling pins. Seriously, when Mary earned a strike, you could hear the kids' cheers through the entire building.

• Sarah Mc and Tiffany Walker sat down at the scrabble table with two residents. No mercy for our kids; these folks whipped out the dictionaries and spun that scrabble board like a DJ scribbling his beat.  "Would y'all like to take a break and come over to the snack table for some chips?"  Uh, no thank you (DUH). But we'll take our snacks right here so we can keep on playing!

• Abbi, Lily, and Estefani putt-putted all around the fireplace with Jeannie and her friend who said to me, "It's a joy to see you all. Just a joy. Please come back!" 

• Bud, Brianna, and Trista, and our beloved Dorothy and her pal played dominoes.

• Yair (my hero), Catherine, and Emely created 4th of July wreaths for many folks, wielding the hot glue guns, flowers and little flags like pros.  Yair, an eleventh-grade pure gentleman, was a dream volunteer, helping residents walk through the halls, rushing over to help one woman get a wheel chair into a car, smiling the sweetest smile--angels would be jealous. He and the girls were invited up to the residents' rooms to gaze at their handiwork adorning their doors. The residents beamed.

• Josey and Yair might of found a calling. Josey was incredible, helping residents get up from chairs, holding their hands, smiling, comforting, giving joy and kindness in this effortless manner. So impressive.

Some comments from kids in the volunteer van:

"What I felt when I was there--I felt like I was being responsible. I hope I can do it again." Emely Sanchez

"I felt comfortable being with the seniors; i loved seeing them laugh and have a good time." Catherine

"This was a new and different type of community service for me. It was one with some awkward silences, jokes you may not get, but beyond that, it's one where you have the chance to make someone's day. If you sit down and just talk to these seniors, it  is amazing what you can learn. I really enjoyed seeing the m slime and laugh for no other reason other than my visit. It was a great experience that one can learn so much from, especially the power of a smile." Abbi Brazil

"I now realize that participating is more fun than sitting at my house. I also discovered that older people have more life experience in events than young adults." Estefani

"It felt great to bring joy and smiles to River Rock. Once they grew more comfortable with us, they were much more open. I loved seeing them laugh and joke with us." Lily Brazil

If your mentee attended, please send them a shout-out. They were truly awesome!

Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

River Rock

2 hours on Feb 23rd: 

Mataya Foster, Irais ? 

Also,  TP board volunteers: Bud Chatham, Michelle Rooks

2 hours on March 16: 

Can I either of you identify the TP kids below: I think there were 5 total.

Also, 1 board member: me 

Animal Adoption Center

March 1: Again, don't know the kids, but here is a picture:

Two board members: Michelle rooks and Jen Solis

So Funny!!

Because we work with teenagers, we always have FUNNY stories to tell.

We love these email responses from kids:

• (Please respond ASAP...)  "Dear ASAP, .... " 
• This is my favorite response from a kid to a job opportunity ever!!!  "i love to do any  job unless it's avalable!"

Success Stories

2/6/2014:

Mrs Rooks,

Hi it's Amelin!

     I am so thankful for you running this program! Did you know that my birthday is on March 24!? I would LOVE to have this job because I was at the February 6 teen power meeting.

Thank you! have a fabulous weekend!

Amelin Mommsen 

1/29/2014:

Ms.Rooks,

Also Axis gymnastics has offered me a job! They found me on teen power and contacted me about it and it looks like ill be working there weekends and doing birthday parties! So thank you very much for all the job opportunities! Because of my awesome teen power resume that you made us update I was able to get a job!

Thanks,

Mataya Foster

<3 font=""> Mataya <3 font="">

7/2013: 
I just wanted to send a BIG TIME thank you to Janet Garcia, Teen Power All Star (I've cc'd her on this), for helping out at the first Jackson Hole Live!  Concert on Saturday.  They loved having her help out, and they threw out our name a TON of times up on stage.  She did a great job, and hopefully she'll be able to help out with all the future concerts as well.  Thanks Janet!


5/2013:  From Bo Miller, JHMS Principal

 Jackson Hole Middle School is looking for community partners who are able to help the school staff implement a restorative justice model as part of our positive behavioral system, as well as a viable means for any of our students to become actively engaged in a positive way in their community. Restorative Justice: Our partner would help us provide a variety of opportunities for students who have had difficulties in school to enter into a constructive and healthy service project as a way of giving back to their community. Service Learning: This could take a variety of forms, such as a school-based club sponsored by Teen Power that teachers students how to get involved, fund raise, and have a voice.

8/5/2012:
Hi Michelle,

I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how amazing your group is!  Everyone was SO helpful and did an awesome job helping.  Please tell them all thank you again from me.  I was stress free all night because everything was taken care of.  The whole group did great!  Please let them know that if they can help next year we would love it!  They kept asking me what they could do to help because we were so on top of things!  They even stayed on top of things after the luminaria ceremony was over...One of the lights went out on a bag and one of the girls went over to replace it!  Amazing!  :)  I hope everyone had a great time and knows how helpful they were.  

Thank you thank you thank you!  

Have a great rest of your summer!

Nacole,
Nacole Wilson
Relay for Life 

5/14/2012:

Hi Michelle,

Thank you so much again for recruiting all of the student volunteers. They had great attitudes and were easy to work with!

Hope you had a nice weekend!

Best,

Teddi

EcoFair

1/17/2012:

Last year I had the opportunity to snowboard with a group of 6th grade girls with Ms. Dooley, one of which was Irais. After hitting the slopes Irais was bound and determined to continue snowboarding and improve her technique for the rest of the winter. Unfortunately, Irais did not have the means to continue her new passion. This year as I was walking on to the tram I saw a girl with a brand new board and ski suit. She had a big smile on her face as she was walking towards the lift. Low and behold it was Irais who had just received a scholarship from Teen Power for a season pass and snowboard gear. It was so nice to see money from a scholarship well spent and invested in a student who is taking full advantage of this opportunity. 

Elise Stiegler

JHMS School Counselor

307.733.4234

12/16/2011: Students helped with a Latino Night at CES:

Michelle,

The kids did a fantastic job.  Each one took a group of 4-5 kiddos, read to them, and talked their group about how reading helped them, reading strategies they use, etc.  Then I made them stand up together at the end of evening and each one spoke one sentence to the parents about how reading helps them.  I led them with some questions. They were really shy, but stepped up!  Interestingly, one of their biggest concerns was speaking in Spanish.  We'll do another night in a couple months and would love them back!  

One of my strugglers told me it was one of the best nights of his life...he was so excited about being able to spend time with a high schooler!

Thanks for your help!

Karen

Hi,

Made me cry when he said it. The Teen Power kids were great. A few of the boys were very nervous. It was sweet.

Wendy Hultman

Elementary Writing Facilitator

______________________

9/24/2011:
Great article in the paper and ever GREATER program, Michelle!  I am impressed!  I was wondering how some of those families were able to afford braces.  Let me know if you ever need any help with any part of your program (aside from $25,000 donations:))! ~Stan Morgan

Students say:


Hi Mrs. Rooks my dad and mom do agree to have the job they that it's a grate job and a good thing to do. Thank you Mrs. Rooks. Love, Gregario (5/10/2011)

4/26/2011:

  Thank you for all the kind words and the wonderful scholarship for Briton.  I know he will be thanking you on his own but I just wanted to let you know how much Bret and I appreciated it from a financial point of view…and of course, the pride we felt in our boy is beyond words!   It was a wonderful discovery to find the check for Keegan’s calculator as well.  Again Keegan will send a thank you himself.  We are trying to see if we can find a coupon so that any money left over can be returned to you.  Once I have a weekend or even a Sunday in town, I will take him to Staples. He is so proud!

                Well, thank you for all you do.  I have been spreading the word at my church for mums and dads that might need help in the summer to use the website to try to hire the teens.

                Thank you again for everything and for having faith in our boys.

                                                Keeley and Bret Bommer

3/20/2011:

Hi,

I went to the Snow King carnival on Saturday and had two amazing Teen Power experiences.  First, we saw the kids from the snow board lessons "perform." Luis was there with his new snowboard.  He was so excited.  He ran over to me and thanked Teen Power for his board.  He showed me the board - it was very cool. His parents were thrilled.  His mother said he slept with his new board!  Second, serving lunches was the mother of the two students for whom we agreed to pay for braces.  She looked up and saw me and said, "You have no idea what this means to us.  You have no idea how happy you have made me and my two children. You just have no idea.  Thank you."  She started to cry, so I cried, too!  It was really powerful.

I know we are doing a lot of good for our kids.  I feel like I get more than my fair share of these types of experiences.  I hope as our organization grows, all of you get to have these experiences as well.   However, it was perfect timing.  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and ready to give up on Teen Power, and then I had this weekend!  It makes it all worth it!!  I'm newly committed again!!

Have a good week,

Michelle

3/4/2011:

Dear JHMS Staff,

Teen Power is very excited to report that we purchased a book or two (up to $15) for 73 students this week.  One student reported it was the first book he'd ever owned!!  We had a ton of students sign up simply to get a book.  I believe this enthusiasm reflects JHMS's focus on reading this year - emphasizing independent reading.  

Thank you to the media center, Karla, Pam and Jackie, for their support of this effort.

Enjoy your much deserved LONG weekend!

Sincerely,

The Teen Power Board: Michelle Rooks, Amy Fulwyler, Jan Lovett, Pam McIntosh, Clay Preheim, Ruth Moran, Pam Coleman, Kelli Clay, Jackie Lance, Audrey Hagen, Jen Solice, and Polly Arnott, Executive Director

*****

Wow, that's awesome Michelle. Nice work on making such an indelible impact on all those kids.

Scott Eastman

JHMS Assistant Principal

*****

This was such a motivating program for the kids! Thanks for dreaming it up! 

Jan Lovett

6th Grade LA

*****

ms rooks, i love that we have this opportunity to get a free book and i definitly will take advantage of this, but by any chance, would the $15 count towards EVERYTHING (for example: a poster) or just books?

if not that is okay but i am deffinatly getting a book for sure! <3 div="">

-Heather 

3/1/2011:

Michelle,

Thank you sooooo much for allowing us to work with these kids!  They were great!  i appreciate the work you did to make them available!

Tom Radkey

TCSD ESL Director

12/7/2010:

Michelle,

    I will reply on behalf of Conor Butler, as you may need to know about the babysitting asap and he won't get your message until after school...He is performing at the JHMS band concert on Wednesday night and will not be able to babysit.  I sure do appreciate your time in notifying him about the job!!  I know that he really appreciates it too!  Thank you for all the time you have spent organizing TeenPower.  It is an incredibly cool service that I know will become a great tool for teens and community members.  Again, thank you so much!!  Lynne Butler :)  

ED - Notes and Ideas

1) Website:  Carol's email is carolapeck@gmail.com. 

• Website fixes needed:
• Communication from Website changed to Ben's email address.
• SEARCH:  type in a student or clients name to search.  (first and/or last)
• It is still confusing as to when you have to hit the search key AND could they search for first name as well.  A lot of times people know the kids first names and don't know last names.  
• PENDING ACCOUNTS:  there are a ton that are old and even more that are junk.  It is really cumbersome to delete them.  If possible, there should be a delete button on the pending page.
• UPDATE ACCOUNT:  When kids are updating their accounts, it keep bumping them out to an error page.  They have to go to the homepage and then back into their accounts.  This has been going on for a long time.
• RESUME:  When adding a job to their resume, ...
• When posting a job, students need the ability to search by name (type in the name) 
• Job Type: add Teen Power job option.  Also, there needs to be an "Other" option.
• Teen Power Clients:  Could it show the last name first?  It is alphabetical by last name, but it's hard to realize that....
• Need a "print resume" button on the profile page that sets the resume so there is no extraneous website graphics--just the resume.
• When kids sign up, we need...:
• Spam stopper
• See binder (website section) for hard copy of what is being requested
• Add a place for parents' names, phone numbers, and email addresses on the student application form.  It would be great for this to show up on the student profile.  I'd like to create a parent email list.  (Add a parent email list and list to the website)
• Parents could check a box saying if they wanted to get the notifications their kids get for jobs and service opportunities. (Note:  parents who are involved typically give to Teen Power AND keep their kids involved.

• BROWSING:  
• Next to students' names:  Visually show the gold-silver-bronze achievement levels, so an employer quickly sees a student's credentials.  Also, need a key to show what gold, silver, bronze mean.  
• Default listing of students should be gold, then silver, then bronze. Within the levels, can kids be mixed up each time?
• Need an icon to show "manager" status
• Need a "View full profile" button, similar to Linked in site.
• Once on the directory, need capability to go right back to jhteenpower website home.
• After CLIENTS SIGN UP:
• On the page that tells them that they have to wait me to approve them... give them instructions about posting a job.  This is the explanation on the blog:
• HOW CAN I POST A JOB?
• A: There are three ways to find teen workers:
• 1) Peruse the Teen Power website as if it were a "Teen Yellow Pages"! Find a teen that looks like a great fit and contact him/her.
• 2) If you want Teen Power to find workers who are interested in your job, hit the "contact us" button at the top of the website homepage (mrooks@tcsd.org). We will happily post it. We will forward you the names of all interested students.
• 3) Especially if you would like to hire multiple teens for multiple dates, contact us with the job information and dates and we will coordinate the job. We will hire teens and insure they arrive at the job promptly. You can pay Teen Power or the teens directly. If you have any questions about any type of job, please contact use (mrooks@tcsd.org).

2) Programming:

• 1. Thank you notes for donations connected to the transition letters. (Kids sign)
  2. Signing up and Updating 
  1. How to write a good bio:
  • Intro:  my goals (what I am saving money for...)
  • Part #1:  My strengths - why I am a good worker?  (be specific)
  • Part #2:  My experiences that help to show why people should hire me!
  • Part #3:  My dreams...helps employers connect with you
  • Conclusion: Logistics - I can work when... where... for how much... 
  3. Apply for Jobs: 
  1. Understand how they are posted
  1. Who
  2. What
  3. When
  4. Where
  5. Why (pay or volunteer)
  6. How (logistics)
  2. Update Resume - who does and who does not?
  3. Getting Paid
  1. Cashing the check
  2. Not cashing the check (keeping track)
  3. Savings...
  1. Inspiring Kids to Save Money for Experiences not Materials:  Wyatt Roscoe, 690-7514, Box 352 Wilson (Contacted Bo)
  4. 1:1 meetings: 
  1. Great job!
  2. Not showing up
  3. Poor Reviews
  1. I'm sad to have to write this email.  I have just been on the phone with your Teen Power employer from yesterday.  They were very upset by your behavior and work ethic.  I have deactivated your account until we can meet and formulate a plan to remedy this situation.  I would like your parents to call me or attend the meeting as well.Please remember, that when you work for Teen Power you represent us.  It is important to Teen Power that you represent us well during jobs.
  4. Write JOB ADs for Summer.  Kids create ads to send out to clients.
  5. LEADERSHIP:  Compassionate Leadership (Link)
  6. Search Institute Curriculum: 30 minute lessons around the assets ($50) LINK
  7. CPR and Babysitting Classes AND Petsitting tips (see binder)
  8. Help students with immigration issues: Elisabeth Trefonas - 203-9019 or www.trefonasLaw.com
  9. Career Counseling - check out this link
  10. Specific Training for big jobs OR volunteer opportunities.
  11. Scholarship Application Completion - summer programs

  
  
• GOAL:  How do we create ongoing programming that grows over time?  Students could be "assessed" to show growth.  This would require more of a commitment from students BUT would provide more to students. (Manager Program)
• Differentiated programming - middle school, early high school, later high school.  Students could "graduate" from Teen Power at each point in time.  Our most at risk population would probably stay with us 6-12??

3) Collaborations:

• Ongoing:
• Carlos Elizondo - Teton Mentor Project - wants to collaborate around designing internships for high school students.  (celizondo@tcsd.org)
• Dual Immersion Program - Chad Ransom and Heather Goodrich, TCSD emails - Spanish Speaking students to act as tutors and supports for after school programming.
• Teen Power would like to offer videos of Teens reading spanish books.  We would show the book, so students could follow along and then show the Teen thinking aloud as they read.  We'd like this to be a fundraiser for Teen Power.  Dual parents could sign up to get a video (of the read aloud) a week for the rest of the year for $20??  I also thought then parents could know of some kids to hire to tutor or babysit in spanish.
• Jackson Hole Mathematics is looking for tutors for grades 1-6 - contact Mackenzie Moore via school email (mmoore@student.tcsd.org)
• Jim Wolfgang @ River Rock Jim Wolfgang
• (307)734-0500- Work
• (307)699-2146- Mobile
• Four Seasons - programming and internships and jobs: Laura Cuddie / Laura.cuddie@fourseasons.com or 732-5089 and Sara Mackey / Sara.Mackey@fourseasons.com
• Teton Literacy - babysitting for family nights, tutors - Sarah Albers and Laura West  laura@tetonliteracy.org
• Rendezvous PTO - babysitting for parent nights, help with Winter Carnival etc - rendezvouspto@aol.com
• Habitat for HUmanity - babysitting for parent nights and during work days - Gina Valencia
• Muriel at Jackson Hole Recycling - Muriel 733-7878 or mblaha@tetonwyo.org
• Jackson Hole Youth Soccer - Dan Norton - Dannorton8@gmail.com  or 
• jacksonholeyouthsoccer@gmail.com
• Cuenta Conmigo (Count Me In) - Teen Programs for Latinos - contact Sonia Capece [sonia@latinorc.org] 734-0333
• 
  
• (May) 
• EcoFair: If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Annika Sohlstrom atAnnika@jhalliance.org  or telephone: 733-9417
• Community Spring Clean-up - Jackson HOle Clean Up (Jennifer Goe - jgoe@nelsonengineering.net or 733-2087)  - May 11th
• July/Summer:
• Art Association - babysitting tent (733-6379)
• Jackson Hole Live - he would love to have a HUGE team of TP Students involved.  Shannon McCormick 413-3032, mccormick.shannon@gmail.com
• Outerlocal Summer Games - contact:  Meghan Quinnjhsageconsulting@yahoo.com  - 307.413.1776 
• Michael at Lion's Club (uses kids during the Fair)  - lionschrotz@bresnan.net
• August:
• Relay for Life - we've always had a group of kids who help with the Luminarias
• Amy Evans - 307-733-2597
• Carly Platt - carly@give-r.com;
• September:
• Canine Carnival (September) - Ayn - 733-0802 droolindogs@gmail.com
• JH Marathon (September) - Renee @ JH Chamber, 307-733-3316 
• FArmers Market: Rick Howe, Event Organizer, 307.413.9602 or visit jacksonholefarmersmarket.org. 
• Harvest Festival - Whole Grocer
• November:  Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot - Jill at Parks and Rec: jharkness@tetonwyo.org, 732-5762
• December:
• Art Association - babysitting during xmas fair (733-6379)
• Jaycees - xmas trees at Virginian
•  
• Potential Collaborations:

• Teddi Hofmann @ Teton Ten (TetonTen@gmail.com)
• PARENTS....how do we include them more?
• JHCM - babysitting classes, jobs for teens, volunteer opportunities (they are good mentors)

4) $$$

• Sponsors:  GOAL:  Teen Power Card with %off at our sponsors (clients, students, parents)
• Phil Leeds @ Skinny Skis - internship, sponsorship, collaborations (Info: Phil Leeds 
  Email: phil@skinnyskis.com and Phone: 307-733-6094)
• Talked to Joe Rice a couple times. We will talk more the first part of January. 
• Grants:
• 
  

  Follow up about the Craig and Susan Thomas fund potential: (I read about this in the newspaper and thought that maybe Teen Power would be a match?) Here is the website link: http://www.thomas-foundation.com/grants.cfm

• Search Institute - Initiatives - http://www.search-institute.org/hc-hy/find-an-initiative  We were on the map, but I can't find that on their website any longer.  They would be a great institute to work with and get approval from.
• This is the guy from the National Depression Center in Colorado who was linked to the Ordways and said, "Every town needs a Teen Power."  His name:  Matt Vogl  phone:  303=724-4967 / cell:  303-916-1860 / email:  matt.vogl@ucdenver.edu  I think he would have grant ideas.
• Why?
• great article to show need, especially if we are targeting vulnerable teens
  
  http://trib.com/business/teenage-joblessness-can-haunt-kids-later/article_1c02705f-85cb-54dd-87c9-d22d6c54b1e8.html#.UX5sOzyDG0s.email

2) PR: 

• I spoke with Sara Reese from JHNG, and will submit a brief synopsis to her, editors and "features", to try to peak their interest in writing something  about Teen Power. What I email to them is not what they put in the paper.  I sent a picture of the kids babysitting at the Christmas Bazaar to JHNG...
• Create a video-type ad that I can show or send to people.  (Possible Artist: http://www.timtomkinson.com/)
• Think graphic novel.....The goal is to debunk the myths about teenagers.
• Video/Slide Show:
• Title slide:  
• • Teenagers who are valued by their community are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. ~Search Institute  (Black and White)
  • Teen Power's mission is to build positive connections between Jackson Hole teens and community members through jobs, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships.  (Our logo and colors)
  • To do that, we have do break down some myths about teenagers...
  • Begin Graphic Novel...:  

  • "They are always listening to their music..." side shot of kid with ear buds in... (All in black and white...)
  • Next slide:  "while they mow your lawn!"  pan out to same kid pushing lawn mower and waving at old lady on porch with lemonade! (lemonade too much?)  (Add a little color to this one?)
  • Slide:  Research about valuing youth
  • Next

  • They are always in packs....(pack of teens! (black and white))
  • Until they see an adult who cares!  ("Hey, Ms. Rooks...comes over... "How's Angel?"  "Guess what I did..."  (add more color))
  • Slide:  Research about connections and positive relationships
  • Next:

  • All they want to do is sleep (black and white)
  • Getting on the bus at 8:00 for school, 5:00 for sporting trips, up all night doing homework....(add more color)
  • Slide:  Research about sleep needs of teenagers
  • Next:

  • They have wear giant hoodies or skimpy clothing....(black and white)
  • That's because their bodies are changing and they aren't sure how they fit!  (mirror? confusion? embarrassment?  add more color (red!)) 
  • Slide:  Research about changes in body = to that of a toddler
  • Next:

  • Their hair!  Their makeup! Their piercings!  They won't look me in the eye, and they never smile....(black and white)
  • That's because they have zits! and crooked teeth!!  (color)
  • Slide:  research about straight teeth
  • Last slide:  Support teen power as they support Jackson Hole Teens.  Healthy Teens make for a healthy community! (something like this

6) Board Goals:

• Develop an elevator speech:  Teen Power's  4 Cs of Success:  
• • Building Community (a sense of belonging - through community service), 
  • Enhancing Confidence (through learned skills and strategies AND access to braces),
  • Promoting Career and College readiness (through jobs and internship opportunities)
  • "Teen Power: Promoting community contribution, confidence, and college and career readiness."
  • Teen Power: Promoting community (belonging), confidence, and college and career readiness.
  • "High school students who are engaged in work experiences, apprenticeships, or service learning are likely to attain higher GPAs in their freshman year of college than those with no such experience in high school (US Department of Education, 2004).
  • Snappy Tag Lines:  
  • "Our community, fueled by TEEN POWER", 
  • Teen Years: A time many teens make life changing/dictating decisions. Teen Power: insures those decisions create productive, rewarding futures. 
  • Teen Power: Empowering purposeful teens for a sustainable Jackson
  • Teen Power: preparing confident, community-minded teens for productive futures. 
  • Teen Power: enhancing the community with confident, community-minded teens who are prepared for the future. 
• We talked about the book (Endless Adolescent)  at our last meeting and agreed to buy a couple copies and pass them around.  We'll talk more about it once everyone has read it.  Maybe you could lead us during that conversation.  (This didn't happen!)
• Committees:
• Board Committees:  PR (Keith, Michelle); Fundraising (Ruth, Jen); Straighten Up (Amy, Ruth); Programming (Stan, Mike); Jobs (Mike, Michelle); Scholarships (Pam); Website (Michelle, Mike)
• Keith's Advice:
• Hi all - it's Keith.  For reasons I won't go into I'm emailing from Ruth's account.  
  
  Just reading a bit of work related fodder and found something that made me think of Teen Power.   Btw - in case you haven't noticed, I think my role in this group is going to be to try to help refine, focus and direct this wonderful effort.  I pale in comparison to all of you when it comes to 'just doing'.  My experience has told me that without doers a company dies of planning too much and never executing (Yes - there are companies out there like that.  I refer to them as "ready, aim, aim again, adjust your sites, aim" companies.  On the other hand, there are also companies referred to as "Ready, FIRE".  They get stuff done but are sometimes less effective because they're not all sure what they're aiming at.  I'd like to help Teen Power land somewhere in the middle.
  
  It's in that spirit that the article I was reading today made me think of Teen Power.  The article is a synopsis of a book entitled 'Find your Next'.  Without going into details, the book seems to be about a hyper-focus on the ONE measure of an organizations work that, when targeted, is assured to take an organization to the 'Next Step'.  The example referenced was a fitness trainer for a football team.  When asked what ONE measure could be used to define the overall fitness of the players on his team he said“Squats.  If a player can squat twice his body weight, I know that the other aspects of training (cardio fitness, drills, and discipline) are all in line.”    I resonated with this (for Teen Power and for my job at HP) because it forces, first of all, to find crystal clarity on our purpose.  For a football team it's pretty easy - win games.  For most companies it's shared between a social purpose (make environmentally sound, safe and attractive cars) and profit or shareholder value (without profits the company dies so this has to be one of the goals).  For Teen Power - I think it's a little fuzzier.
  
  Anyways, the first 3 suggestions in the article are below.  I thought I'd share them and hopefully trigger consideration on your part relative to the mission of the organization and what we think the "next step" is.  I ask permission to continue to spend a small amount of time each meeting helping focus and direct if that 's ok.  
  
  Thanks
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  1. Create a movie trailer. 
  Look at the company where you work with fresh eyes and challenge yourself to develop the equivalent of a movie trailer--a short synopsis of the plot of your organization. Synthesize the complexities of the important issues into a basic strategic story line that describes what it takes to hit the next level of progress.
  2. “Net up” your insights.
  Construct a single metric that reflects the impact of the core business drivers. How will you measure progress? What are the "squats" for your business?
  3. Develop a focused rallying cry. 
  Connect the dots from the squats to the aspects of operations, marketing, product innovation, talent development, and financial management that will drive most powerfully toward your goal. When leaders clear the clutter and stop to reflect on what it really takes to get to the next level of performance, they bring clarity to the process of transforming their organizations.
  A single metric that is the main indicator of performance can rally everyone in the organization to a focus, so leaders figure out what they need to do to accelerate progress toward that metric. Find Your Next covers examples of key moments at every level of an organization where people understood what was required to hit the mark. Transformational leaders at every level of an organization need to understand what matters most and how to measure it. 

6) Finding an ED:

Instead of a normal interview, the board decided to request a proposal/presentation.  Our next Executive Director has a big task.  Teen Power needs someone to take us to the next level.  To grow Teen Power, we'd like to see what you believe is needed and what your skill set includes.

Teen Power Mission Statement:  Teen Power helps to create future-focused, well-rounded teens by providing job, volunteer, and scholarship opportunities.

Our 2011-12 goals:

• Raise $60,000 for our operating budget.
• Raise funds for programming and scholarships - both Hole Experience and Straighten UP! scholarships.
• Recruit new clients.  Educate new clients about Teen Power and the Teen Power website.
• Recruit new students to Teen Power.
• Differentiate our programming for middle and high school students.

Feel free to use the following resources:

1. Our website:  www.jhteenpower.org
2. Our blog:  www.jhteenpower.blogspot.com
3. The Search Institute:  40 Developmental Assets, An Engaged Community
4. Board members - we are available to answer questions, though we really want to see what you would bring to the table!