BECOMING A CHARTER

As a chartered organization of FRIENDS FIRST, creativity is the rule. Our goal is to give you the framework that will help you be successful. However, each charter has the freedom to create the actual structure necessary to meet the needs of your individual community. We know that people will own what they help to create.

Benefits of Becoming a Chartered Organization

Becoming a chartered organization allows you to learn from the experts at the national headquarters. The national office exists to serve you in providing the best primary prevention activities possible. Chartered organizations are plugged into the network of other chartered agencies providing the FRIENDS FIRST mentoring program to youth. You will receive the FRIENDS FIRST newsletter via email throughout the year. This update list's new ideas, strategies, and research to assist you at the local level. The national organization will also be improving resources and sharing those resources with you. Becoming a charter gives your agency the right to duplicate the FRIENDS FIRST name and logo and to become a part of the exciting national network of FRIENDS FIRST Mentor Programs.

Expectations and Requirements of Chartered Organizations

• Maintain a primary insurance carrier for your local site.
• Conduct background checks on staff working directly with youth during retreats, field trips, activities, and weekly meetings.
• Follow risk-reduction policies mandated by the national office.
• Provide services from a health and educational perspective. FRIENDS FIRST is a public, nonsectarian organization. We serve all parts of the community including churches, synagogues, schools, and the medical sector. FRIENDS FIRST is not affiliated with any religion; however, our methods do address the spiritual nature of human sexuality and the important role religion plays in community health.
• Mentor program sponsors and coordinators must agree with and sign the FRIENDS FIRST statement of philosophy.
• Provide quality customer service to schools and community agencies to maintain the high standards of the FRIENDS FIRST organization.
• Submit yearly statistics outlining how many youth participated in your program by June 30th of each year. Organizations can re-charter for $300.00 per year if they choose to continue the FRIENDS FIRST Mentoring Program Charter.
• Agree not to use the FRIENDS FIRST name, logo, or materials for any other purpose than FRIENDS FIRST activities.
• Follow all rules and policies established by the school or host building where you are meeting.
• Participate in  training conducted by FRIENDS FIRST staff.

STARS Recruitment Video

The STARS Recruitment Video is an eight minute, entertaining video with interviews from some of the STARS.  The video is a great way to recruit STARS if you in front of students in the classroom, at an assembly or an event.  The STARS Recruitment Video is an excellent way to promote the program to administrators, school and community officials.

FRIENDS FIRST STARS Affiliation          

If you already have teen program in your community or you do not meet the requirements to charter with FRIENDS FIRST , you may choose to become an affiliate.  Affiliates have permission to use the STARS logo, receive five percent off all FRIENDS FIRST products and will receive a monthly FRIENDS FIRST e-newsletter.  The yearly dues are $100.