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This advisor Standard and Protocol has been developed to guarantee similar treatment of all delegates and to make sure that each advisor is prepared for their role at the Model Assembly Session. 

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delegation Directors shall have responsibility for managing their participants and advisors in accordance with the Code of Conduct, program policies and facility mandates and in cooperation with the Hotel Directors. 

• Hotel Directors shall have the responsibility and ultimate authority of managing all hotel issues, including but not limited to:

• Responding to emergencies

• Interpreting the Code of Conduct, program policies and facility mandates when infractions occur

• Contacting Delegation Directors and requesting assistance in all discipline, damage, incident and accident cases

• Contacting proper authorities when situations require such action

• Managing health forms and basic first aid supplies

• Maintaining accurate hotel rooming lists

• Program Specialists shall have the responsibility of managing all program participants, chaperones and advisors participating in specific program areas in accordance with the Code of Conduct, program policies and facility mandates.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government program promotes a trust-based Code of Conduct, based on the foundation that all delegates and advisors agree to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner.  Adults should make every attempt to help each participant achieve his/her full potential during the Model Assembly Session. 

• The Code of Conduct, Capitol Facility Expectations, State Office Building Facility Expectations, Court Facility Expectations and Hotel Meeting Space Expectations should be carefully reviewed prior to attending the Model Assembly Session.  Delegation Directors are always welcome to enforce a stricter standard than the Code of Conduct dictates but the State Youth in Government Staff and Hotel Directors will only enforce the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct and facility expectation documents. 

• The Hotel Directors will have the authority to dismiss participants for violations of the Code of Conduct when they have a detrimental impact on the Model Assembly Session.  However, Delegation Directors will be notified and involved in the decision. 

• Remember, Youth in Government delegates and advisors are the guests of the hotel and the State Of Minnesota.  The reputation of the Youth in Government program and the YMCA depends on the quality of supervision.  Additionally, the future of our program’s use of the Capitol/Judicial Complex, Hotel and Convention facilities is contingent on proper treatment of these places.  Buildings and equipment MUST be kept in the same (or better) condition than when they were found.  Do not disturb or remove any equipment, desks, fixtures, etc.  There will be NO food or beverage OF ANY KIND (even water) allowed in any chamber, program area, committee room or hotel meeting space.  At the end of each day and/or session, your assigned area must be inspected and returned to the condition found at the beginning of the session.  Pay special attention and report immediately to the State Office, ANY damage or theft. 

• Room checks for Officers and Appointed Officials are the responsibility of the delegation.  Youth Officers and Appointed Officials will be held to the same standard (or higher standards) as any other delegate or adult. 

• Radio, TV News Station or Newspaper participants may be given passes (or special permission) by their Volunteer Program Specialists to return to their rooms after curfew since their programs conclude on or after curfew.  Those advisors doing floor duty and room checks should be respectful in dealing with these delegates if they arrive on floors after curfew. 

• No non-Youth in Government student guests are allowed to visit the hotel at any time!!  Only registered delegates are allowed to participate in program and evening activities.  Delegates responsible for bringing outside student guests to the hotel or program areas may be asked to relinquish their positions and may be sent home at their own or parents’ expense. 

• Delegates and advisors should travel with at least 3 –5 people when leaving the hotel and when using the skyway system. 

• Delegates and advisors MUST wear their nametags at all times when outside their assigned sleeping rooms.

• During schedule program time, delegates and advisors should remain in their assigned areas.

MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST

Mutual respect and trust is an extremely important part of the Youth in Government experience!!  Therefore, we request that adults express their concerns, fulfill their assigned responsibilities and communicate corrective measures in a RESPECTFUL and CARING fashion.  It is the responsibility of adults to maintain a respectful tone with students, even if that tone is not returned.  If you have difficulty with a particular participant, try to get their name and discuss the matter further with the participant’s Delegation Director.  There may be extenuating circumstances that you are unaware of and a critical or negative reaction may be inappropriate.