Youth Workin' It

Consultancy and Resources for Youth Workers and Organizations Worldwide

Basic Strategic Youth Work Planning Part 2

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Basic Strategic Youth Work Planning
It’s your move – start off right with a basic strategic plan

Previously, we discussed the importance of long term youth work planning and the difference between Long Range and Strategic Planning.

Today we’re getting into the actual nuts and bolts of planning. We’re breaking it down into 2 posts; this week is page 1 of the plan and next week will be page 2.

The idea for this plan came from Don Crowther and his 2-page strategic plan. However, his plan was aimed at businesses and I’ve formatted it for youth workers.

On page 1 of your basic strategic plan you’re going to think about the following:

  1. What your youth work program or organization looks like right now
  2. What you want it to look like in the future, possibly by the end of the timeframe given in your strategic plan
  3. Choose the top 3 areas to work on (aims). If you focus on too much you’ll end up disappointed and frustrated as you’ll get overwhelmed. You can start with the top 3 and if you achieve them early, you can alter your plan to include the next 3
  4. Create SMART targets/objectives for how you plan to achieve the top 3 aims provided
  5. Create an action plan for each objective, including resources you will need and possible barriers
  6. Identify other goals you may have for your youth work

Here is a completed example of the first page of the Strategic Plan and here is a blank copy of the first page of the Strategic Plan for you to complete yourself.

Update since posting: We have had some trouble with the Google Docs files, so here are copies for you to download.

Page 1 Strategic Plan Example – Completed

Page 1 Strategic Plan Example – Blank

Next week we’ll complete the plan by looking at youth specific aims and objectives for your strategic planning.

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Youth Work Photo Release Form

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Youth work photo release form
‘Say Releeeeeeeease’

When it comes to working with youth, there are a lot of permissions required. Permissions for trips, lock-ins, service trips, medical consent and photo release.

A photo release form is an easy document to create and will provide you with the protection you need so you can use youth photos safely and with their permission.

Three key pieces of information that you need on your photo release form:

  1. The name and signature of the youth and the name and signature of their parent or guardian.
  2. What the photos will be used for and where they will be used. Usually this is for youth program or event promotion and could include print and online sources.
  3. The types of permission being allowed. You can use a catch-all authorizing use in all media/print for your organization or you can provide tick-boxes indicating which forms of media the pictures are allowed for, such as Facebook, blogs, leaflets, flyers, websites, etc.

Here is an example photo release to get you started.

Question: What sorts of events do you need a photo release for in your organization? Let us know in the comments below.

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