LEADERS OF YOUTH GROUPS: PVHFH’S EXPECTATIONS
Our Goals:
Many Habitat affiliates do not permit youth aged 14-15 on the construction site. PV Habitat wants to encourage youth to get involved with the work of building homes with families in need – so we strive to make work party opportunities available to those youth.
Who Can Participate:
Youth aged 14-17 are allowed to work on site with some restrictions. Youth ages 14 and 15 are not allowed to use any power tools or be on ladders higher than themselves. Youth ages 16 and 17 cannot use cutting power tools and cannot be on the roof.
No one under the age of 18 will be allowed on a construction site without a signed waiver from a parent or guardian (at least 21 years old).
No youth or teen is allowed on the worksite unless they are in the company of a “responsible adult.” Please provide one adult leader (over age 21) for every 3 or 4 youth.
Your Role as Group Leader:
You, as the youth group leader, have an important role to play in setting the scene and working with us to make the work party a safe and enjoyable experience for your youth and a productive workday for the habitat homebuilding effort.
Before the scheduled build date: Leaders are responsible for preparing the group in advance.
Ø Secure the youth waivers from the youth before the build. No youth may be present at the site without a signed youth waiver. Waivers must be provided each time a youth works.
Ø Stress that participants are there to work, and that a certain level of maturity will be expected.
Ø Advise participants that their work clothes may get dirty, painted on, torn or otherwise disfigured. They should not wear loose jewelry, or clothing that is loose or baggy.
At the build: Youth group leaders are to assist the site supervisor and crew leaders in managing the group. Our site supervisors are volunteers who can lead construction tasks.
Ø Youth group leaders are expected to take an active role in gathering the group together, keeping the youth focused on task and responding to inappropriate, irresponsible and/or dangerous behavior of the youth.
Ø Youth group leaders are encouraged not to do the construction tasks but to assist the youth in completing the construction tasks.
Ø Your site supervisor will advise you about what safety gear is required. If the site supervisor requires it – the youth group leader is expected to assist the youth/teens so that they keep the gear on for the entire work party.
PVHFH’s Youth Group Work Policies:
Youth groups will work only on Sundays. This is a
4-hour commitment – it is important that you arrive and be ready to work at