IDENTITY

Identity

Each group would benefit greatly from adopting an individual identity. We become stronger in mind, body and spirit when we see ourselves as a team. Adopting and encouraging an identity could be as simple as reminding the students over and over that are “__________ (Your) kids.” When done with a loving attitude and pride in them as a group, they will develop a positive bond with you and with each other. When groups see themselves as a team they also tend to monitor themselves and keep the others in the group accountable for their actions as well.
An identity can also be integrated to such positive extremes as to incorporate individualized t-shirts and/or logos. Beware though, allowing students to have a voice in their identity is of utmost importance and their choices may be very different from theirs.
At the first of last year our youth were given the choice of 8 different colors and designs for possible t-shirt choices. I speak not only for myself but for the other catechists in our group when I tell you that we literally “bit our lips” when they unanimously choose black and white camouflage t-shirts with florescent orange writing. As leaders we all knew how important it was that their identity be uniquely their own, so we allowed their opinion to reign and their decision to be the supreme decision. Personally, I haven’t decided whether to laugh or gag each time I put that t-shirt on. With that in mind, if I can wear a t-shirt as unique as the one I’ve described, I’m certain you can put up with whatever choice your students might make. I do have to admit however, I’m praying for a more subtle choice when next year’s group chooses their shirts.
Our group adopted the logo “Alpha – Omega” many years ago. Each year they vote to keep the design and logo the same. If your group doesn’t yet have an identity I urge you to start with a logo. The student’s attention will immediately be drawn to the design and image each time they see it. Posters, flyers and reminders will subsequently be more easily identified as information that will affect them personally.
I urge everyone to use the logo or design wisely. If it is associated too many times with rules, regulations, parental information or other things a student might view as negative, they will begin to ignore it and you will lose the edge you’ve attempted to gain.
You can find a large list of group names to choose from on this website: youthpastor.com
If the student’s in your group are old enough, let the choice of graphics become theirs. Set down a few ground rules and host a contest. The artistically inclined will come out of the woodwork. It’s another positive way to get the students involved and help them develop a sense of pride in their group.
Another form of identity we establish is letting the students choose a theme song at the beginning of each year. Choose 4 or 5 of the most popular Christian music songs and let them vote for their favorite. We use the song each evening as a lead in to our prayer time.

Celebrating Individuality

Each of us is unique in many ways. While hosting a design or logo contest to engage those with artistic tendencies is a start, don’t forget there are many other individual personalities meshed into the fiber of your group.
Each year we have a shooting event at a nearby clay target range. The group who attend is usually small, but the gratitude for acknowledging their interest is heartfelt. It’s easy for us as adults to categorize our teens as cookie cutter cut outs. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Think of the variety of events, sports, activities and arts available to us today. Each time you venture into a different venue, you are, in essence, holding out your hand and saying “I value you as an individual”. Embrace and encourage each student’s individual gifts, talents and charisms.
A short list of various, more, unique interests might be: art, music, drama, golf, speech, debate, cooking, gardening, card games, board games, hunting, fishing and swimming. There are many other interests, hobbies and sports than the ones I’ve mentioned. Now, I’m not advocating that you wear yourself out attempting to provide an event or class incorporating all of the interests of each and every student. Simply acknowledging a student for their individuality will help them see that you value them as unique. However, it is fun and adventurous to include a few off-the-wall activities into your group’s agenda every now and then.