Key Principle:
Youth benefit from the positive relationships and interactions that are promoted, developed, nurtured and maintained by the program staff and volunteers.
- All interactions reflect a culture of mutual respect, support and belonging.
- Verbal and physical interactions amongst youth are positive and respectful.
- Youth work together and support one another’s success.
- Staff and volunteers model cooperation, conflict resolution and positive relationships with each other.
- The relationships between staff, volunteers, youth and families are consistent, supportive, nurturing and recognize individual needs.
- Staff and volunteers treat youth with respect and listen to what they say.
Examples of the Standard in Practice:
- Youth have opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments and strengths of their peers.
- When youth have a conflict with each other, they are able to resolve it without a physical altercation.
- Staff, volunteers, and families routinely share information about how to support individual youth development.
- The program and schedule are structured so that youth, staff, and volunteers have the opportunity to develop close, sustained relationships with each other.
