Since the program's beginnings, we have tried to provide a structured and disciplined environment for youngsters who will eventually make up the nucleus of your organization. Our approach is a tried method that has been so successful that other countries have adopted our mission, goals and objectives, and guiding principles. And we do it the old fashion way, with firmness, fairness, dignity, and compassion.
Our Young Marines have
become so engaged in the activities of their communities that the communities
have come to expect that they can count on their Young Marines wherever and
whenever they need help. Similarly, we are there to lend encouragement and
support to that element of our society that is most vulnerable, our youth.
You will
likely make a lasting impact on the lives of those Young Marines that you have
the chance to lead and mentor.
The Headquarters Young Marines staff is at your disposal to lend any and all assistance hoping that we can to make your jobs just a little bit easier. We will offer periodic training opportunities in your area and, once a year host the Adult Leaders Conference. In addition, we have available to you, below, our application forms.
The rewards
will be numerous and will likely be reflected in the eyes of those with whom
you have had a positive impact.
"Start a Young Marines Unit" Presentation (PDF)
Things to Consider
There must be a least one Marine in good standing – Former, retired, reserve or active duty who is willing to serve as the Unit Commander.
A sufficient number of volunteers must be recruited to handle the training and supervision of your Young Marines. A minimum of three registered adults is required to start the unit. The “rule of thumb” is to have a least 1 registered adult for every 10 Young Marines. At least one of your Volunteer Registered Adults must be a female.
There
must be an adequate facility to host your unit meetings. The facility must
offer a safe, clean and hospitable atmosphere for your youngsters and adult
volunteers.
All
adult volunteers and Young Marines must be registered with the Young Marines
National Headquarters. This registration process ensures that all units are
insured and administered in accordance with National Young Marines regulations
and standards.
Procedure
=
Familiarize yourself with the program by exploring the youngmarines.com website.
= Contact Headquarters Young Marines to receive a copy of the unit manuals.
=
Make your volunteers aware of the website.
=
Name the proposed
unit. The name must reflect a prominent geographical name; state, county,
river, city, parish, etc.
=
Complete Young Marines Unit Application.
=
Make copies of your Unit Application and Volunteer Registered Adult Applications for your records.
=
Send the original signed documents to Headquarters Young Marines office:
o
Young Marines Unit Application
o
At least 3
completed Volunteer Registered Adult applications.
After Receiving Your Charter
You will receive an administrative package. It will include your user name and password for your unit’s access to the Young Marines Database System (ymdbs.org). Familiarize yourself with the ymdbs. Decide who will have access to your unit’s information and add them as an Authorized User.
Once you have received your unit’s charter you can now set up your unit’s checking account. Deciding who will be authorized signatures on the account is an important decision. You should select unit staff that can be available to verify disbursements and sign checks for the timely processing of payments. You need two people from your unit as signatures and one from Headquarters Young Marines. The two people you select from your unit cannot be related and cannot reside in the same household. Arrange for a Headquarters Young Marines representative to be a signtaory on each account.
Begin to prepare you and your
staff for recruiting Young Marines by planning your first Recruit Training.
Locate Young Marines Units
near you and arrange to visit them. Meet the Unit Commanders and staff to learn
from their experience and get ideas.
Thank you in advance for your interest and time in helping to “Strengthen the lives of America’s Youth.”