Incorporating Less Frequently Available Team Members

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

My mentality is that if they don't want to participate, its their loss. If they don't like the program they would show up everyday. You can't force anyone to like the program. If it is a legitimate excuse like sports or religious activities or something along those lines, go with Eric's advice. Honestly if they don't want to be there, just straight up tell them to not show up at all. I would believe that they are wasting their time going to the meetings. Time is precious; it should never be wasted. Being able to participate in such programs is a privilege not a right.

Sometimes it isn't a question of wanting to be there but a question of being able to get there. I don't know what the economic situation for your team is but around me we have parents who can't afford the gas to get their students to the meetings but once or twice a week. Should I take that out on the students?

The only thing we ask our students is to show up when they say they will, if that is "I can only be here Monday from 4-5" then that is when they are there. Interestingly, this is the same philosophy we use for mentors.

Make sure your consistent students are all up to speed on what is going on and have them work with the less consistent students. Perhaps consider a weekly newsletter (resources permitting) that can be sent to mentors/students/sponsors via the magic of the internets.