This spring I created a logic model for the 5/8 Club that outlines our inputs, activities, outputs, and expected outcomes to guide the program. Among the outcomes (or goals) are the boys developing ethics of positive leadership and service to others (intermediate term) and becoming Christian leaders who give back to their community (long term). Towards these ends, Richard and I are making a concerted effort to prepare our teenage boys to serve as volunteers in Abundant Life's 1st-4th grade tutoring program. Because we want them to take this seriously, and because we only want those serving who will actually benefit the program, we came up with the acronym HEROES to explain the qualities we are looking for and the standards we are setting for volunteer service. While it may be too much to expect these boys to be true heroes at 15 or 16 years of age, my hope is that we are adequately preparing them to be just that someday for their families and their community.
HEROES
HELPFUL – You are respectful toward the school staff, tutoring staff, other tutors, and children, follow instructions from the tutoring staff, and are patient with your tutee. The tutoring program is better because you are a part of it.ENGAGED – When you are at tutoring you are focused on connecting with your tutee and helping him learn.
RELIABLE – You can always be counted on to be at tutoring when you are supposed to and will let Dylan know ahead of time when you are unable to attend.
ON TIME – You are where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there.
EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS – You are a role model for the children in how you speak and act, not only at tutoring but also in the community.
SELFLESS – You put the feelings and needs of your tutee above your own. You participate and perform tasks even when you don’t feel like it.
