Teen Activism (Key Clubs) Mansfield Richland County Public Library

Program started by Anne Rhodes Featured on YALSA Anne now works in Outreach Services at the Mansfield Library I took over in the Fall of 2017

Mansfield Richland County Public Library’s Project Plarning

Helping Teens Make a Difference

What is a key Club? K Kids – elementary school Key Club – High School Circle K – college Kiwanis - Adults

Key Club “Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.” https://www.keyclub.org/about/ “Key Club International is the oldest and largest student-led service program for high school students.Key Club promotes leadership through serving others.” https://www.keyclub.org/

Teen Key Clubs Local High Schools Key Clubs getting involved Volunteering to make “Plarn” In return the plarn is sent to local retirement communities to be yarned into mats for the homeless

Plarned Mats

Teens want to volunteer 55% of teens do community service BUT 93% of teens reported that they would like to volunteer but don’t have an outlet http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/hledej.php?hleda=hands+raised

Where to start?

THE LIBRARY IS THE PERFECT VENUE RESOURCES PHYSICAL SPACE CENTRAL LOCATION POSITIVE REPUTATION NEUTRAL SPACE

Benefit to Teens Better grades Looks Great on Resume Networking Have fun with their friends

Perfect opportunity for a partnership. Teens wanting to volunteer but lacking opportunities + Librarian with ideas and budget but no teens = Perfect opportunity for a partnership.

The Planning Contact Key Clubs Or other groups Decide on Projects Helps to have an idea of how many teens you can expect.

Ideas Baking Dog Biscuits for the Humane Society Making Collars or toys Perler bead backpack tags Neighborhood Cleanup or Leaf Raking Together We Rise-foster care program Scarf Bombing

Here are some of Anne’s activities:

Decorating Cookies for First Responders

Personal Care Bags

Bookmarks for “The New Store”

Anne’s Timeline 6 weeks before event--contact school groups 4-5 weeks out decide on programs ½ Day Programs work best Anne’s program- 10:30-1:00 10:30-12:30 Project time 12:30-1:00 Lunch and chill time

Alert the Press

Promote upcoming programs and library resources before you start

Other Groups Scout Troops-Eagle Scouts Homeschoolers 4-H Clubs National Honor Society Sports Teams

Questions?