RULE #1

YOUTH SAFETY

The safety of youth at Treasure Our Youth is always our number one priority. Youth who are mentally and physically safe are better able to learn, grow, and thrive from the events and programs put together. Treasure Our Youth continuously works to enhance safety policies, practices, and trainings to ensure they are centered on the needs of the youth. At each event organized by our youth are local police officers and sheriffs, supervisors and/or safety guards. There is nothing more vital to TOY than keeping our members and their families safe and protected at our program events. 

Treasure Our Youth does not tolerate any form of criminal or inappropriate behavior including violent, verbal or sexual misconduct. 

Policies and Guidelines

Treasure Our Youth (TOY) works continuously to enhance robust safety policies and actions to ensure young people remain safe in programs and events. We implement layers of safety policies and guidelines to keep our youth safe including:
  • Background Checks: Mandatory annual criminal background checks for board members and volunteers.
  • Mandatory Reporting: Local TOY members and volunteers are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or victimization to the appropriate authorities and then to Treasure Our Youth.
  • Safety Committees: Each board member has a Board- led Safety Committee elevating safety to the highest level of governance, and are required to fulfill the same responsibilities at every community.
  • Reference Requirement: Any person looking to become a member, MUST have a reference from a previous or current member, volunteer, or board member to be eligible.
  • Resources for Families and Staff: Impactful training and resources for TOY youth and families focused on mental health and social-emotional development.
  • Resources for Youth Members: Programs are required to prominently display key safety resources and information, including the Child Safety Helpline and Crisis Text Line.
  • Policy Communications: TOY must inform parents and guardians of safety policies when they receive a youth membership application.
Our Belief 

We believe that...
  • Youth are a community asset, not a problem.
  • Teenagers and young adults need to be actively engaged in the process of social change at all levels, from the street corner to the board room.
  • Society must acknowledge and embrace the idea that youth are talented and capable of leading community change.
  • Youth who receive the appropriate guidance, support and encouragement have the capacity to positively impact their peers, families and communities.
  • Youth can increase their life options and opportunities through rigorous academic enrichment and leadership development.
  • We believe in the value of parents as active partners in the social and intellectual development of youth.
  • Schools and churches are key partners in the development of tomorrow's leaders.
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