Youth Commission

Episcopal Diocese of WNY

March 20, 2005

St. Mark's Orchard Park

In attendance – Wendy Schumacher, Samantha Cutlip, Cindy Avery, Maggie Avery, James Moffitt, Jay Phillippi-Youth Missioner, Rachel Phillippi, Terra Cutlip, Liam Doherty, Liz Kozak, Andy Dule, Steve Weidmann, Rachel Haseley, Katelyn Koziel.

The Bishop's Ball – A variety of problems need to be addressed. Youth from Orchard Park didn't feel welcomed when they first arrived. Agreed that we need to have YC members greeting folks as they come in and welcoming them. Also need to deal more quickly and decisively with inappropriate behavior. Samantha also noted that we should get a permission slip for next year. Jay will send a letter to St. Mark's OP letting them know we've addressed the problems and hoping they'll come back. This issue was brought up with some vigor at Happening teaming, needs to be referred to Happening Board, Jay will discuss with appropriate people.

Camps – Mock up of new application for all four camps displayed, medical and scholarship forms are separate. Applications will be sent directly to past campers plus apps sent to congregations. Will be using new laminated name tags for camps this year for durability. Question of letting last years seniors come back to camp discussed at length. Both sides discussed. In the end the potential problems with age differences, and possible discipline problems seen as greatest hurdle. Motion by Liam to keep camp only for normal ages and not allow last years seniors to return, seconded by Rachel P. and motion is carried. Graduates will be allowed to visit the night of the dance if they contact Jay in advance (and at his discretion)

Youth Commission Bank account – Current balance is $3,760.17 which is significantly more than diocesan preferences for accounts of this type. We simply lost track of the money that had gone in over the last several years and it grew After discussion and recommendations from Jay Terra moves that $500 be directed to EYE expense, $500 be directed for camp t-shirts and $150 be directed to cover expenses associated with equipment and supplies related to the new camp badges (laminator, pouches and lanyards). Cindy seconds it and the motion passes with one abstention.

Youth Commission Positions - Jay reminded the Commission that we have a variety of positions to fill in the fall, including youth chair, Diocesan Council youth rep (Rachel P has requested to resign as she is entering her senior year) and diocesan convention delegates. No decision needed today but we had decided to address this before the summer this year. Liam offered that he would be willing to be a candidate for D Council.

EYE - The delegation is down one candidate. Sam Perry has withdrawn, reason unknown. Fund raisers are in order – spaghetti dinner at Cheektowaga April 9, Divine Desserts at Lewiston June 18. St. Andrews Buffalo is willing to do a Coffee House, date to be determined. Jay has agreed on transportation for the delegation. They will share a bus with the Dioceses of Rochester and CNY, cost around $150 per person. Trip will begin in the middle of the night and take about 12 hours.

Episcopal Urban Caucus – Liam and James reported on their trip earlier this year to the national Urban Caucus. They thank the Commission for it's support. Liam reports that the Caucus agreed to suspend their rules on board eligibility and elected him to the national board. Next meeting is in Seattle and they would like to see each diocese send an adult who works with youth and a 5 person youth delegation.

Youth Survey – Concerns expressed by Samantha about “balance of power” between youth and adults in areas where youth are supposed to be given leadership responsibilities. Several Happening rectors have felt pressured to make decisions about team members that were contrary to their desires. Some way of allowing the youth to express those concerns and raise those issues needs to be addressed. A survey was presented that will be filled out by youth in leadership roles following each event, or once a year for boards. Suggestions were made about additional questions and it was recommended that the final survey be looked over by several different people to insure it's fairness and neutrality. The process for reviewing these forms needs to be looked at in greater depth and will be a future item of discussion for the Commission. Wendy will handle them for the first use at Happening weekend.

Rachel Haseley moved to adjourn, Liz Kozak seconded. Meeting adjourned with prayer.