I Have a Dream program: Guidelines for Coaches

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	Guidelines for Coaches in Kidlink's I Have a Dream Program Art by Javier Juan Carlos in Peru

Participating youth in Kidlink's I Have a Dream Program should have an adult coach supporting their efforts.

Some youth may join the program as part of a class along with their classroom teacher. Some youth, who enter as individuals and not part of a class, may be seeking coaches to assist them with their projects.

Any groups of participating youth in the program may be looking for additional coaches to support them in the projects. This page was written for you if you think you might have time to give to youth and support them in this program.

Who qualify as coaches?

Teachers, parents, family and community members as well as Kidlink adult volunteers, older than secondary school age, who are willing to give some time and support to youth qualify as I Have a Dream coaches.

What does a coach do?

A coach's main function is to support youth in the program. In order to support youth, coaches must first have an understanding of How Kidlink works.

We ask that all coaches register and communicate in the Kidlink KidCom adult coordination rooms for the program.

A coach must have a clear understanding of the I Have a Dream Program. It is important to read the contents and understand the educational goals and objectives of the 6 modules before guiding youth in this program.

In the event that youth teams apply for monetary support for their dream project and receive it, coaches may need to act as financial advisors for the team. Some organizations may not give funding to youth projects unless an adult is part of the team.

What may NOT be done by coaches?

Coaches may guide youth, encourage inquiry, teach organizational skills and give overall support but they may not do the work that should be done by the youth. Coaches with technical knowledge in web design and scripting may teach these skills to their teams but they may not create their web pages for them. All I Have a Dream work must be done by the youth.

How much time is involved?

Youth participating in the I Have a Dream Program make a commitment to join a team and follow a goal. Since they are expected to see their project to completion we would hope that their coaches exhibit the same commitment. Unforeseen circumstances may happen that cause a coach or youth team member to leave a team.

The amount of time that a coach can give to a team during the program can be determined by the individual teams and coaches. Some may be able to give more time per week than others. If a team and coach agree that a coach's help will be given for only certain parts of the program, that is their decision. All help is welcome.

How to volunteer as a coach

Coaches should:

register for the I Have a Dream Program (before the participants register)
join the I Have a Dream KidCom room where they can answer requests from youth looking for coaches and/or post a letter with their offer to be a coach

To find a Kidlink adult volunteer as a coach, youth dream teams may write requests for coaches may also be sent in the I Have a Dream KidCom room.

Back to How to Join the I Have a Dream Program.