So your teen is involved in TALK...
what SHOULD YOU expect?
STRUCTURE: This is a teen-centered group, so teens' voices and opinions are at the forefront of meetings and planning. Teens (ages 12-19) who are involved with TALK are given at least an equal voice in most TALK decision-making. At all Open Forum Leadership Meetings, members hang out a bit, make art, create music, write poetry, or do whatever artistic thing they are into. Then, a meeting is held to discuss the direction of TALK, where ideas are expressed and members cast votes (with a quorum).
FEES: Although there are a few classes/programs that require small enrollment/participation fees, TALK meetings and drop-in times are free for its members. However, TALK is a not-for-profit, so funds are not always in abundance. Teens will be asked to help with fundraising. They can also seek in-kind donations. If they are able, the teens themselves can contribute small donations for snacks, art supplies, etc.
COMMITMENT: It is TALK's stance that SCHOOL COMES FIRST, but TALK's Adult Mentors encourage responsibility and that work with teens to help them honor the commitments they make with TALK. If it is noticed that a member is volunteering too often, Mentors will intervene and have a discussion to make sure that teen has a realistic idea about their priorities. If a teen is on a leadership role, they will meet with an individual Adult Mentor, who will guide them through whatever project or event they are working on (e.g. art show, concert, play. etc.) and they will follow up with them on tasks that they said they would complete.
COMMUNICATION: Teens use technology, especially their cell phones. Therefore, communication via texts, messenger, and/or phones calls is the primary way that teens will receive information and updates about TALK. Flyers and permission slips are not typically handed out, because most do not make it home. However, if parents and guardians want information first-hand from an adult, they are welcome to speak with any Mentor, or contact the Director, Steve Ploum, at 708.365.TALK. They can also visit the website, www.talksouthland.org, read TALK newsletters, or check out the TALK Facebook page for updates and info.
SUPERVISION: TALK works hard to ensure safety at meetings and events. We maintain the state-recommended ratio of no more than 8 teens to 1 adult (often, we exceed the recommendation), so there is usually at least 2 adults present at meetings and events. Adult mentors are always walking around to supervise and interact with teens in TALK's space. Teen movement is also limited to certain areas within the areas we have access to at St. Paul. However, we do not prevent teens from freely leaving the meeting space at St. Paul's or at any of TALK's events. We utilize a "Good Night" sign out rule... meaning that if a teen decides to leave a meeting/drop-in time, they sign out and then cannot return that evening. Also, if an Adult Mentor notices something that causes a concern, we will address it with that particular teen (or teens), reiterate expectations, set limitations, and contact their parent or guardian if necessary. Any unusual incidents are reported to TALK's Director, Steve Ploum, who is a Master's level licensed counselor.
UNUSUAL INCIDENTS: TALK Mentors are instructed to document any unusual incidents that come up and that we become aware of. These may vary from a teen conflict/ argument, to injuries, to more extreme situations. TALK’s Director is made aware of the situation so as to review and make decisions regarding next steps. Based on need, parents/guardians may be informed. One of the first things we do when a teen comes to TALK is gather an emergency contact number, so in extreme situations, Mentors on site will utilize the number(s) and make the call
FEES: Although there are a few classes/programs that require small enrollment/participation fees, TALK meetings and drop-in times are free for its members. However, TALK is a not-for-profit, so funds are not always in abundance. Teens will be asked to help with fundraising. They can also seek in-kind donations. If they are able, the teens themselves can contribute small donations for snacks, art supplies, etc.
COMMITMENT: It is TALK's stance that SCHOOL COMES FIRST, but TALK's Adult Mentors encourage responsibility and that work with teens to help them honor the commitments they make with TALK. If it is noticed that a member is volunteering too often, Mentors will intervene and have a discussion to make sure that teen has a realistic idea about their priorities. If a teen is on a leadership role, they will meet with an individual Adult Mentor, who will guide them through whatever project or event they are working on (e.g. art show, concert, play. etc.) and they will follow up with them on tasks that they said they would complete.
COMMUNICATION: Teens use technology, especially their cell phones. Therefore, communication via texts, messenger, and/or phones calls is the primary way that teens will receive information and updates about TALK. Flyers and permission slips are not typically handed out, because most do not make it home. However, if parents and guardians want information first-hand from an adult, they are welcome to speak with any Mentor, or contact the Director, Steve Ploum, at 708.365.TALK. They can also visit the website, www.talksouthland.org, read TALK newsletters, or check out the TALK Facebook page for updates and info.
SUPERVISION: TALK works hard to ensure safety at meetings and events. We maintain the state-recommended ratio of no more than 8 teens to 1 adult (often, we exceed the recommendation), so there is usually at least 2 adults present at meetings and events. Adult mentors are always walking around to supervise and interact with teens in TALK's space. Teen movement is also limited to certain areas within the areas we have access to at St. Paul. However, we do not prevent teens from freely leaving the meeting space at St. Paul's or at any of TALK's events. We utilize a "Good Night" sign out rule... meaning that if a teen decides to leave a meeting/drop-in time, they sign out and then cannot return that evening. Also, if an Adult Mentor notices something that causes a concern, we will address it with that particular teen (or teens), reiterate expectations, set limitations, and contact their parent or guardian if necessary. Any unusual incidents are reported to TALK's Director, Steve Ploum, who is a Master's level licensed counselor.
UNUSUAL INCIDENTS: TALK Mentors are instructed to document any unusual incidents that come up and that we become aware of. These may vary from a teen conflict/ argument, to injuries, to more extreme situations. TALK’s Director is made aware of the situation so as to review and make decisions regarding next steps. Based on need, parents/guardians may be informed. One of the first things we do when a teen comes to TALK is gather an emergency contact number, so in extreme situations, Mentors on site will utilize the number(s) and make the call
CONTACT TALK
TALK: 708.365.TALK - Steve, the Director’s cell - 708.297.0102
THE TALK BOX (our space at St. Paul's): 708.816.5005
THE TALK BOX (our space at St. Paul's): 708.816.5005