Frequently Asked Questions About the MassSTAR Citizenship Conference:
Q: WHAT IS THE MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION’S VISION?
A: To empower citizenship. As an educator, you understand how influential student leaders can be in affecting great change; these student leaders are in your classrooms everyday. MYLF motivates students and provides them with the necessary tools to develop into strong leaders. Our Citizenship Conference helps them to expand the talents that will serve them, their schools, and their communities well into the future.
Q: HOW DO WE EXPECT TO ACCOMPLISH OUR VISION?
A: Rather than having students passively absorb information; our Conference fulfills its purpose through a unique 3-day program with a highly interactive process. Through intense but informal workshops, Delegates get a top down look at the world, nation, its people, and their own role in their community.
Q: What is the Expected Outcome of the Citizenship Conference?
The Conference is designed by a volunteer committee to create an experience for Delegates that produce the following results:
-Students role model effective citizenship skills and enhance their leadership
-Students meet other young leaders
-Students are given the opportunity to think critically about the quality of their communities
-Students are motivated to accept the challenge of using their skills to help others
Q: Who Is Eligible?
A: Any diploma granting, accredited public or private Massachusetts high school may nominate a sophomore, and all are encouraged to apply. Select one primary representative and one alternate representative from your school.
Q: What Does the MassSTAR Conference Cost?
A: The conference is 100% free to students, their parents, and their schools. Our dedicated volunteers, supporting businesses and cooperating organizations raise the funds needed. All expenses except for transportation to and from the conference site are fully covered.
Q: When and Where is the Conference?
A: The conference is taking place from Friday, May 29th to Sunday May 31st at Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts.
Q: What Additional Opportunities ARE Available to the Students After the Conference?
A: Many opportunities become available after the Conference such as: MassSTAR Alumni Association: Delegates can join the hundreds of others that have passed through our program in an active and vibrant Alumni Association. The Alumni Association continues the work of MassSTAR through community activities.
Citizenship In Service: After the Conference, each Delegate is challenged (although not mandatory) to undertake a community service project. If they complete 100 hours, they are eligible to receive the Congressional Award, recognition from America’s Promise, and the President’s Student Service Award.
Q: When Should I Submit the Alternate's Information?
A: We encourage you to select an Alternate Delegate at the time you select your Primary Delegate. If your Primary Delegate is unable to attend the Conference, please contact us immediately so that we may make timely arrangements.
Q: When and How Do I Submit Paperwork?
A: The priority acceptance date is December 15, 2008. Official MassSTAR Nomination Forms received after this date will be considered on a space available basis. Online registration is preferred for expedited registration. Otherwise, pick from the various methods below, making sure to include the alternate’s information. If sending form via email, include “Your HS Nomination Form Attached" in the subject heading.
Online: www.MassSTAR.org under the “Conference” tab
E-mail: nominate@MassSTAR.org
Fax: 877.402.8354
Mail: Massachusetts Youth Leadership Foundation,
MassSTAR Conferencec/o Directors of Recruitment: Kimberly Banks and Kasey Black
P.O. Box 990053Boston, MA 02199
Q: Where Can I Get additional Information?
A: You can get additional information on our web site at http://www.MassSTAR.org, or e-mail us at nominate@MassSTAR.org
Interested in Donating?
Why Donate to MassSTAR?
The Massachusetts Youth Leadership Foundation is a focused group of volunteers interested in:
Youth
MassSTAR values the young leaders of today. We focus on high school sophomores, reaching them at a time in their lives when they are becoming adults and making serious decisions about the types of citizens they want to become.
Education
MassSTAR motivates these young leaders through our MassSTAR Citizenship Conference. We give our young leaders the knowledge that they have a voice, and that they have a responsibility to use it.
Empowerment
MassSTAR gives these young leaders the means, through our MassSTAR Citizenship Grants, to make real proactive changes in their own communtiies. Our Citizens ship Grants, given out each year to MassSTAR alumni, give these young people the power to bring their proactive citizenship to fruition.
Responsibility
At the conclusion of The MassSTAR Citizenship Conference, we ask each MassSTAR representative to undertake 100 hours of community service. In this manner, we get the students thinking about what changes they want to affect, and then to go out and make those changes.
Giving 100%
The MassSTAR organization is run completely by volunteers. 100% of your donation goes to helping students of Massachusetts realize their leadership potential.In order to continue our important work, we need your help. Simply print out the attached form and mail it along with your contribution the MassSTAR Foundation. Your generous donations go toward realizing the leadership potential of students across our state.
MassSTAR Donation Form