We've got some changes in store for the new year.
Here is what you need to know before you apply:
McPherson Public Library’s Teen Advisory Squad of Kansas (TASK) is an advisory group of teens in grades 6-12 who meet regularly with the Youth Services staff to discuss books, to plan library programs, to give input on library issues related to teens, and to assist in selecting materials to purchase for the Teen Scene.
How to Join?
New members
will be accepted into TASK at any time based on their application and possibly
an interview with the Youth Services Coordinator. Criteria for selection
include:
Ø A desire to promote reading;
Ø The ability to work
cooperatively with people of various ages and backgrounds;
Ø A commitment to attend
meetings and programs on a regular basis.
Teens who are
frequent library users or who are recommended by a teacher or librarian are
given special consideration. We strive to maintain an age, gender and grade
balance in TASK and to select members with different personalities and interests.
Membership is
renewable for the duration of a student’s middle and high school years. This
will provide consistency and continuity and allows the group to develop as a
team. As old members graduate, spaces open up for new members, providing a
fresh perspective each year.
What are the expectations of
members?
Meeting
Attendance
The Executive
Committee will meet every other month to work on projects and discuss a range
of issues and proposals. All other committees will meet as needed. Members are
expected to attend ALL meetings, which will be scheduled to fit member
schedules. Members who miss multiple meetings in a year may forfeit TASK membership. In addition, there will be two full
member meetings each year.
Program
Participation
TASK members
are expected to participate in at least
1 teen program each month. However, all TASK members are expected to attend
every program you possibly can. Late arrivals are acceptable for the majority
of programs (so don’t worry if you have a scheduled activity that runs late).
If you are helping plan events, we do expect you to want to attend them!
*Every member is required to register and
participate in the Teen Summer Library Program.
Volunteering
TASK members
must participate actively in their committee(s) and this time will count as
volunteering. Other opportunities will arise as needed. This is a great way to earn community service hours!
Why Join?
Members of
TASK help shape the Teen Department. This department is the vision of your
fellow teens and it is our goal to keep it that way. In addition, participation
in TASK looks wonderful on college applications.
If this sounds like a good fit for you,
please submit the attached application and I will get in touch with you.
~Jennifer
Committees
Executive
Committee
High School
Only. This committee will be made up of no more than 8 teens in
high school (two from each grade level). This group will meet every other
month. This group will be responsible for discussing larger issues as they come
up. Each member will also be expected to lead at least one of the
sub-committees (joint leadership is perfectly acceptable).
Committees:
Movies, Gaming and Crafts
These committees will be responsible for helping plan special
events in these categories. For instance, the Gaming Committee will help with
International Games Day which takes place every November.
Life Skills
Committee
High School
Only. This is will be our newest addition to teen programs. We will
begin offering Life Skills programs (how to change a tire, ACT preparation, how
to create a budget, etc.). This group will help plan, promote and run these
events.
Committees:
Displays and Readers
These committees have similar themes: books. The Displays
Committee will help create book displays in our children’s area and be
responsible for changing them out and keeping them stocked (this will be
scheduled with members). The Readers Committee will help create reading lists,
reviews and other fun projects that will, with any luck, lead to awesome teen
programs (i.e., book trailers).
Committees:
Summer Programs
These committees will focus on helping plan and prepare for
our summer programming.
Application
