TRAINING & ORIENTATION FOR STEP PARTICIPANTS

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2 TRAINING & ORIENTATION FOR STEP PARTICIPANTS Ronda Werner, YEO D-5240

3 Introduction Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all our Youth Exchange Students, both here and abroad.

4 Topics of Discussion Why are Orientation & Training for STEP Exchanges so important? How is Orientation & Training different for STEP vs. LTEP? What Orientation & Training is necessary and for whom? What are Expectations for effective Orientation & Training for STEP?

5 WHY SUPPORT RI S ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY? To keep our students as safe as possible To maintain reputation as an Organization that takes Abuse & Harassment seriously may help deter potential abusers Potential Youth Participants & Families may find our program more attractive knowing that we take student s safety seriously Clear policies & procedures protects interests of all volunteers and participants

6 STEP vs. LTEP TRAINING SIMILARITIES Same Abuse & Harassment Prevention Policy Applies Same Stmt of Conduct for Working with Youth Applies RI committed to safeguarding youth from all forms of abuse Same 6 D s Apply (Drugs, Drinking, Dating, Driving, Downloading (Pornographic materials), Decoration (body tattoos, piercings) Training Required for all participants Students must have approved Insurance Independent YE Travel has same restrictions

7 STEP vs. LTEP TRAINING DIFFERENCES Outbound & Inbound Host Family is the same combine training May need to do 1-on-1 INBOUND Training Less emphasis on adaptation School discussions not relevant Stages of Homesickness don t apply Student does not change families only one HF Interview/Application Reverse Culture Shock not an issue

8 ORIENTATION & TRAINING District YE Policy Outlines content & frequency of training, who must receive training and whose responsibility it is to conduct training One IB & one OB O & T sufficient for STEP (3-4 hours each) District YEO, YPO, YE Committee, Club YEO, Experienced Counselor may conduct individual IB STEP Training

9 ORIENTATION & TRAINING District has procedures to ensure that all participants receive training District maintains records of participation Use and Keep on file Sign-in Sheets with date, type of Training (STEP, LTEP, IB, OB) and Location

10 OUTBOUND TRAINING Outbound Students and Parents/Guardians Required to attend Orientation & Training Content of Orientation includes: Program Rules, Procedures, Expectations and Abuse & Harassment Prevention Awareness and Training

11 INBOUND TRAINING Inbound Students must have Orientation shortly after arrival Content of IB Orientation includes contact info for Counselor to report problems or abuse, emergency contact numbers & info. on local laws & customs Since STEP is brief and exchange dates vary holding 1 Group INBOUND Orientation is difficult. The STEP IB Orientation can be done by Host Club s Trained RYE Counselor, Club YEO, or Committee member 1-on-1 Each IB should receive an IB Packet containing relevant materials & contact info

12 HOST FAMILY TRAINING Host Families Must receive Training that includes info. on Program & Rules and Abuse & Harassment Training Since STEP is Family-to- Family, can do Host Family Orientation same time as Outbound Training

13 RYE VOLUNTEERS & YEO TRAINING District provides specialized training for DG, YEO, YE Committee, Rotary Counselors and other Rotarian and non-rotarian Volunteers District conducts special host family and Counselor Orientation usually in early/mid July before IB s arrive. The STEP Counselors attend this Orientation as well. District gives each Counselor a Packet with Counselor Job Description, Host Family Interview Form, Background Check forms, etc. Use EXISTING training opportunities: District Assembly workshops (i.e., Risk Management), PETS, PRLS, District Staff Meetings, etc.

14 KEEP IT SIMPLE Use RI s Training Manual and Leader s Guide Contains specialized training programs & Handouts for Rotarians & non-rotarians, Counselors, YE Committee, Host Families, Students, etc. ESSEX has excellent Training PowerPoint available on Yahoo YEO Resources use as a guide Combine STEP/LTEP OB Orientations Can give STEP Host Family Orientation at STEP OB Orientation since parents are present Use same Rotary Counselors, District Contact Info, Emergency & Hotline Numbers as LTEP

15 ELECTRONIC RESOURCES Can Download the following from (Under RI Programs select Youth Exchange then select Rotarians then Resources ) Abuse & Harassment Prevention Training Manual & Leaders Guide Sample District YE Abuse & Harassment Prevention Policy Youth Exchange Handbook New YE Application Forms New YE Promotional Materials

16 WRAP UP Help LEAD THE WAY to International Understanding and Goodwill!

The Rotary Club Exchange Certification Checklist

The Rotary Club Exchange Certification Checklist D5180 Club Youth Exchange 2010-2011 Certification Checklist Youth Exchange certification supports student safety by establishing minimum requirements for participating Rotary International districts. Minimum