To help teens select suitable role models.

OVERVIEW

In a world where values conflict and many homes have at least one absent parent, it can be confusing to find people who can positively model how to live. Teens need to learn how to clarify the traits that they value in role models and become aware that they themselves may be models for others. Raising this consciousness can help young people wisely select heroes.

LEADER PREPARATION

• In the meeting prior to this discussion, suggest that kids bring magazine or newspaper clippings about their most admired person.
• Find out what music groups are popular. Ask teens why they like those particular groups. Bring in some of these groups’ cassettes or CDs and select a few songs that represent what your kids like most about the groups. Read magazines or watch interviews to learn about each of their favorite groups.
• Find a recent TV show or movie depicting a mentor-mentee relationship. Edit a few scenes from any such show to demonstrate a role model relationship. An alternative video suggestion is to edit some TV or movie clips of teens’ current heroes. In either case, make sure that a VCR and TV is available.
• Bring some pens, paper, posterboard, scissors, and glue to the meeting.

GROUP BUILDING

• If you have decided to have kids bring in clippings, cut and paste photos on one large posterboard. For kids who have no clippings, drawings can be added to the collage. The result will be a collective representation of their heroes.
• Play "Charades." Have kids portray past or present heroes.

GROUP PRESENTATION

The goal of the presentation is to raise the group’s awareness of the values and lifestyles they espouse:

• If a collage has been made, take note of the various types of people represented. Observe who their heroes are, and then ask, "What makes a hero a hero?" Ask other appropriate questions to find out common characteristics of heroes, why they chose who they chose, and what purposes heroes serve.
• Play bits from the recorded song clips. Ask what makes the group popular (Lyrics? Sound of music? Group’s appearance? Values of the group? Where the group is from?). Find out why people in your group want to emulate the music groups’ values and lifestyles. By knowing more about the people presented, you will be able to communicate more effectively with the group, addressing congruities and inconsistencies in the group’s life or history.
• If showing the TV and movie clips, point out the mentor-mentee relationship. Explain that it can be a positive or negative relationship. Ask the group what kind of relationships are they seeking.
• Divide into small groups. Encourage the participants to each share with each other their heroes. Why did they select those heroes? Are these role models positive or negative influences? Why?

WRAP-UP

Share with the group one of your past or present heroes and tell them what you find valuable in that person.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW UP

• Talk to individuals in your group a few days after this discussion. What affected them about the program?
• The following week, ask the group if they have anything to add to their list of admirable qualities in role models. Are they attempting to emulate any of these positive qualities?
• Most importantly, be available to talk. Teens need help in clarifying the values of their role models and their own values.

Beth McCaw cCYS