In class we brought up many different kinds of voluntary associations, from Boy Scouts to the Temperance Movement. We are all a part of voluntary associations, though each work a little bit differently. For example, I work at Northfield Middle School and we have a set system for how we work.
Two Ole alumni, Claire and Jen, are in charge. All of us tutors get directions, assistance, and information from them and use it to help tutor and manage the students. We are always making sure everyone's getting along and doing what they're supposed to be doing. The students, then, have an hour to study and ah hour to just hang out and participate in any of the day's planned activities like baking, sports, or crafts.
As much as we would love for the Middle School Youth Center to be a democracy, that just isn't a possibility. Although some middle schoolers are pretty mature and always kind to everyone, they haven't all gotten there yet. Then again, part of being a young teenager is to enjoy being young, to obsess about Justin Beiber, and to figure out who you are. We have to have rules, but more importantly we have to enforce them even if it makes us look "mean" or "crabby" to the students. What we can do is to make everyone feel safe, accepted, and understood. Listening to students excitements, stresses, and hopes is so amazing because it means they trust me even though I am an authority figure.
Sometimes democracy sounds good on paper but can't be applied to every aspect of life, but that's OK. Our government is our way to create "the change we want to see in the world".
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