Club Recognition
First of all, thank you to those who applied for club recognition. We had another record number of applicants. The year long dedication to YMCA service and leadership at the home YMCAs can be seen in the supporting documentation shared each year. With a new year on the horizon, it is time to raise the bar. We are happy to introduce Level IV Criteria and the definition of the Leader Calendar year. Please do not be alarmed by the calendar year being defined. We just needed beginning and ending dates for tracking purposes. Due to this change, it is acceptable for hours served between June 1 –15, 2018 to be included in the data for BRLS 2018 as well as BRLS 2019. Beginning with next year’s recognition process, the time frame for hours tracking will be June 1, 2018 – May 31, 2019.
Below is the updated criteria. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Better yet, we can discuss in person on the mountain, in a week.
Level I Criteria
- Written club constitution consistent with the mission and purpose of Blue Ridge Leaders’ School.
- Written proof of professional staff and/or volunteer oversight by YMCA administration.
- Written proof of documented training sessions which address improving one’s spirit, mind and body. These shall include (as facilities permit) aquatics, fitness, sports, gymnastics and the theory of YMCA leadership and service.
- Written proof of 75% of the club membership shall provide a minimum of 24 service hours annually.
- Written proof of all club members shall pass a written test to attain club membership.
Level II Criteria
- Written proof of all Level I requirements.
- Written proof of Club operating with elected and functional officers.
- Club membership shall review and approve the constitution annually and be documented by written minutes of the meeting.
- Written proof of 50% of the club membership shall provide a minimum of 100 hours of YMCA volunteer service annually.
- Written proof of Club participation in Blue Ridge Leaders’ School and one other regional Leaders Club event annually.
Level III Criteria
- Written proof of all Level II requirements.
- A written training calendar in which the curriculum includes aquatics, fitness, sports, gymnastics and the theory YMCA leadership and service.
- Written proof of 75% of the club membership shall provide a minimum of 100 hours of YMCA volunteer service annually.
- Written proof of that at least one club member participates on a standing YMCA committee or works with some type of ongoing adult group throughout the Leaders Club year.
- Written proof of the Club participating in the local YMCA annual support campaign and/or raise contributed dollars toward a YMCA scholarship fund.
- Written proof of the Club conducting a multi-YMCA training event at least once every two years.
- *Fitness goal bench marking / progress is tracked and uploaded in the October, January, & April.
*Level IV Criteria
- Written proof of all Level III requirements.
- Hours volunteered by the club are tracked via Mobile Serve in real time or uploaded monthly beginning October 2018.
- Written proof of 100% of the club membership participating in Blue Ridge Leaders’ School shall provide a minimum of 150 hours of YMCA volunteer service annually.
*New this year. Level IV will be recognized for the first time in 2019.