Standards of Practice | Operating Principles | Core Components

The FNL system has identified a list of program outcomes that are important, achievable, and measurable. These outcomes include process outcomes (or Standards of Practice), which articulate what types of experiences we want young people to have in our programs.

To download the Standards Of Practice in PDF Format, right click on the link here and select "Save Target As..."

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

FNL/CL/FNL Kids/FNL Mentoring will:

The components characterize elements within all Friday Night Live Programs and how they implement prevention programming that reflects youth development best practices. The components define how FNL groups are formed, what services we provide, and how we connect to the community.

Chapter Sites: Chapters provide FNL programs with interactive opportunities to promote youth-led ideas and youth decision-making. Within a chapter, groups can take part in real community change that extends beyond the "chapter walls," beyond the school or site, and into the community at large. In a chapter, youth experience a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves and establish meaningful connections with their peers and adults. Local chapter sites can be housed at a variety of place, such as:

Click Here to download complete Outreach Component Information in PDF Format

Through outreach, FNL seeks to involve as many young people, from as many different backgrounds, communities, and environments as possible. The goal is to be intentional about engaging all young people - from non-traditional leaders to youth in recovery, from multiple ethnic and cultural communities, and beyond. Outreach also extends to adults and community partners that can contribute to and participate in FNL partnerships. Outreach is more than simply increasing membership numbers; it's about enhancing the quality of FNL partnerships by making efforts to be as inclusive and complete as possible.

Facets of Outreach

• Building Relationships: seeking ways to bring more and more people into FNL partnerships.
  
• Opening Doors: making FNL opportunities available to the widest range of youth and adults.
  
• Understanding Other Cultures: working to be inclusive and welcoming of all young people.
  
• Educating Partners and Systems: getting the word out about positive youth development.
  
• Articulating Our Mission: learning to effectively communicate the ideas and purpose of all FNL programs.

Click Here to download complete Skills Component Information in PDF Format

Skill Development occurs while youth are preparing for a specific project, developing chapter goals, or participating in general activities. In order to ensure that skill development is happening, approach every project, meeting, event, and activity with an eye for how youth can contribute skills they already have as well as learn and practice new ones. Always ask the questions: "Which young person can do this? Who might want to learn? How can I actively involve them in this project?" It is important to recognize that skill building is a process and not an isolated event or training; skill building includes training as well as opportunities to apply, and training content and support from adult allies to use new skills.

• Creative and Cognitive Skills:
  
  • Problem-solving and action planning
    
  • Creative expression; linking creativity to action
• Vocational and Job Skills:
  
  • Job and career options
    
  • Youth philanthropy and entrepreneurship
• Personal and Social Skills:
  
  • Conflict resolution, refusal skills, peer mediation, coping skills, facilitation skills, action planning, and navigational skills
• Civics and Citizenship:
  
  • Understanding national, racial, historical, socioeconomic, ethnic, and ethical issues
    
  • Being accountable to the larger society
    
  • Contributing to others
• Health and Physical Well-being:
  
  • Consequences of risky behavior
    
  • Information and knowledge about nutrition, exercise, hygiene

Click Here to download complete Opportunities Component Information in PDF Format.

Opportunities are critical to FNL programs because through opportunities the other three components "pay off," or see the fruits of their labors translated into action. This is where things happen, in schools, communities, neighborhoods, and systems. When youth are provided with the right training and support, opportunities give them a place to shine while also having an impact on both individuals and the community at large.

Examples of Opportunities - not an exhaustive list!

• Community Service Learning and Social Action: Young people, in partnership with adults, develop and implement community projects designed to bring about real change. Projects might focus on a particular cause, increase awareness of an issue, or bring about real, lasting change in a targeted area.
  
• Leadership and Advocacy: Youth serve on community boards and hold intern or staff positions within FNL programs or local community programs that understand and support the FNL approach. Service can be on boards of directors, advisory councils, commissions, or any decision- or policy-making body.
  
• Youth-Led Projects and Activities: Youth develop projects and activities designed to send a consistent positive message about youth culture. In addition to providing "safe and sober" activities, the chapter plans innovative, youth-led activities that celebrate young people's contributions, such as Poetry Slams, Health Olympics, Youth Forums, talent showcases, and teambuilding exercises.
  
• Relationship Building: Youth interact with their peers and with adults in structured and non-structured environments. The chapter can host group development activities such as retreats or team building days.