Group Agreement for Youth: Setting Standards for Positive Collaboration
Collaboration is a valuable skill that young people need to learn. It’s essential not just in school, but also in future careers and social situations. With group work playing an important role in academic and personal development, it’s important that we teach youth effective collaboration strategies. One way to do this is by establishing a group agreement.
A group agreement is a set of standards that guide members of a group in working together effectively. It outlines expectations and provides a framework for respectful communication and positive collaboration. By creating and following a group agreement, youth can learn valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
To establish a group agreement, it’s important to involve all members of the group in the process. This can be done through a group discussion where everyone can share their ideas. Some key elements to include in a group agreement are:
1. Communication: Driven by active listening and respect, good communication is a cornerstone of any group. Members should agree to listen to one another and to express their opinions respectfully. Each member should feel that their ideas are valued and that their input is important.
2. Participation: All members should agree to contribute to the group’s work and to support one another. This includes being proactive in completing tasks, attending meetings, and offering constructive feedback.
3. Accountability: Each member should take responsibility for their work and actions. This means meeting deadlines, being open to feedback, and working to resolve any conflicts that arise.
4. Respect: In a group, it’s important to recognize and value the differences that each member brings. Members should agree to avoid judgmental or hurtful comments, and instead work towards understanding and supporting one another.
Once the group agreement has been established, it’s important to keep it visible and to revisit it regularly. This can be done by hanging it up in a visible location, or by reviewing it at the start of each meeting. Doing so will help to reinforce the standards and expectations that have been set, and will encourage all members to work towards effective collaboration.
In conclusion, group agreements are an effective tool for establishing positive collaboration in youth groups. They provide a framework for respectful communication, productive teamwork, and effective leadership. By involving all members in the process of creating a group agreement, youth can learn valuable skills that will serve them well in school, personal relationships, and future careers.