9-16-18 | Meeting Summary

Board meeting:

This was the first meeting and board meeting of the 2018-2019 year. A couple of the main goals that we have our eyes on are accountability and setting the tone for the year. A new rule that we are looking to implement is a 3 strike rule. This would mean that members would be given 3 strikes to do a task or to complete a responsibility. A fault in either would result in a strike and if a member receives 3 strikes, they could lose their position. Another focus of setting the tone was important as we want everyone to be engaged and welcomed to the group, whether it be returning or new members.

Our community service chairs have been looking into different outlets that we could help. Two of our main ideas would be to do some fundraising or donations to Agape, and the second would be to help support Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover due to the recent gas explosions that happened there. We would do a drive and collect important items for families or go there and do hands on work if required.

Our curriculum team has been working closely with Anu Aunty to create a curriculum for this year. Last year we focused on stress and self esteem, and this year we are looking to focus on confidence. Another piece that we are looking to integrate is college seminar given by the seniors for the other members of the group. Applying to college can be a very daunting task for some, so we want to help support in any way that we can.

General meeting:

Last Sunday was the first IAYG meeting of the school year. At the beginning of the meeting, the main focus was on welcoming new group members and starting off the year. The two social chairs planned an icebreaker activity to start of the meeting. After that, the group discussed social events and community service opportunities that we might was to do this year. Some of the community service ideas included making more blankets, helping the Andover and Lawrence communities after the fires, and working with an organization that helps children who have AIDS. Some social event ideas were mini golf, laser tag, and Sky Zone. We also decided that we would like to have a Summer Opportunities Event for the group, which will most likely occur in January.

LESSON: Confidence

Words that people felt described confident people included power, big, and outgoing. Anu Aunty distributed a quiz, that helped members of the group determine how confident they are. She stressed the idea that confidence is key for teenagers, and can help with leadership skills. It was a very successful meeting, and the group is heading into another year with lots of new and exciting ideas and opportunities.