What is a Vanguard group?
A Vanguard Group is a group dedicated to the Vanguard vision:
To empower the youth with a sense of personal mission
and enable them to move forward with that mission by:
(1) Encouraging faith in God as their ultimate mentor
and source of truth through the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ
(2) Helping them find value in their own unique mission and introduce the
to various communication styles so that they may communicate that mission to the world
(3) Helping them come face-to-face with greatness as they study the world,
history, people, and science to prepare them to become future leaders* in society.
(4) Creating an environment of respect, decency, trust, and confidence
(5) Teaching service-oriented leadership
*Leader: someone qualified to lead others in the home, community or world
Why was this Vanguard group (Vanguard-United) created?
We believe that an education is a family responsibility. We hope our mission will enhance the work being done at home by providing an inspiring peer environment where youth can grow from:
- Inspiring friendships
- Peer discussion of truth and great ideas
- An environment where the Spirit can teach and edify
- Responsibility to a group with a common vision
- Positive accountability to peers
- Service opportunities
- Additional mentors who are seeking to learn and live more truth
- An environment that cultivates desire for and practice communicating truth in a way that inspires change
- A place to practice unity in God's cause
What are your bylaws?
Instead of bylaws, we hope that clear expectations, good communication and trust will resolve any conflicts that may arise.
What are those expectations?
Mentors:
Youth:
Parents
The Governing Council consists of:
Head Mentor
Lens Mentors
Others as needed
Issues and Decisions are agreed upon by the governing council, taking into account parental concerns, issues and ideas. We take into account the inspiration, knowledge and experience of the members of the council and seek trust and mutual understanding before moving forward with changes.
All members of the group are encouraged to voice ideas, issues and concerns at the monthly parent meeting. Working together, we hope for a variety of perspectives and experience in making the group the best that it can be.
Youth Governing Council consist of:
President
Youth Mentors
Others as needed
Youth Presidency meets monthly to discuss the needs of their peers, improving the environment, and feedback for mentors. They seek feedback from the youth they represent. They work to make the group an inspiring place of respect, love and acceptance for every person involved. They meet with the head mentor and others from the governing council to express the desires and ideas of the youth.
- Continually learn and apply principles
- Meet monthly and as needed to discuss needs of the group and educational principles
- Love the youth and have respect for their abilities
- Work to apply true leadership principles in their families
- Understand and uphold the group's mission
- Are Willing to give and receive feedback
Youth:
- Desire to learn, serve and contribute
- Willing to work to improve their skills and abilities to serve
- Love, respect and include others
- Willing to exert mental effort
- Seek excellence in their assignments
- Manage their time effectively
- Are grateful for the opportunity
- Strive to be obedient to principles they know
Parents
- Understand the vision and desire to build community
- Desire to contribute to needs of the group
- Attend and contribute to parent meetings/book discussions
- Support their youth by staying informed and taking them to classes and activities they have prepared for.
How is the group governed and decisions made?
"I have a deep, even a sacred, regard for councils; inspiration is evident in them. If ever another course has been followed, trouble has followed as sure as night follows day. If we are to meet the great challenges...we must respect these principles. The Lord has said, 'I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." -Boyd K. Packer
The Governing Council consists of:
Head Mentor
Lens Mentors
Others as needed
Issues and Decisions are agreed upon by the governing council, taking into account parental concerns, issues and ideas. We take into account the inspiration, knowledge and experience of the members of the council and seek trust and mutual understanding before moving forward with changes.
All members of the group are encouraged to voice ideas, issues and concerns at the monthly parent meeting. Working together, we hope for a variety of perspectives and experience in making the group the best that it can be.
Youth Governing Council consist of:
President
Youth Mentors
Others as needed
Youth Presidency meets monthly to discuss the needs of their peers, improving the environment, and feedback for mentors. They seek feedback from the youth they represent. They work to make the group an inspiring place of respect, love and acceptance for every person involved. They meet with the head mentor and others from the governing council to express the desires and ideas of the youth.
