Help! What Would You Do? (problem with youth group)

[Red State Rebel]

I am the director of a youth performing arts group. I have 16 performing members - 5 high school kids, the rest college. About 3 of these are over 21. I also have 3 staff members - all over 21.

Last year I had a problem when my only staff member at the time had a party for the group at his house (without my knowledge) and provided alcohol for the underage members who attended. I later heard stories of a 16 year old throwing up from drinking too much, etc. We were at the end of the season (last few weeks) and I was furious, but let it slide.

At the beginning of this years performance season, I told them explicitly this was not allowed. When I met with the staff before the season, I told them what had happened last year and explained that it was not allowed.

I have now found out that there have been about 3 parties involving staff and members all drinking. The lastest was this Saturday after our first performance. All 3 staff members were there drinking as well as a number of the members, most under aged and 2 still in high school.

My first reaction is to fold the group. Out of the 16 members, from what I can tell only 4 or 5 have not attended one of these parties.

What would you do?

These members pay about $500.00 for the season. Some have not paid all of their dues yet, some have. The money has been spent on choreographers, uniforms, equipment, etc. needed for their show (I am a volunteer and get no $ for what I do). Right now, there is about $400.00 left which I will owe for rental of our rehearsal space.

I'm concerned about parents wanting refunds if I fold the group - I don't know my legal options here.

Help!!!

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. don't do anything

it's not like youre throwing the parties. High school students do this stuff. If it begins to affect your class, then fold it, if not don't.

Drinking and partying can aid in the group's cohesion. Also, the more you rail against their behavior the more intense it will become, as the rebellious quotient is raised and raised.

Find out who is serving the alcohol to these kids and make an example out of them.

[mac56]

5. I think you need to do something.

It'll be a public relations nightmare if you don't, IMO.

[brainwashed_youth]

2. well,

I'd say kick out those who give it to those underage. after you do that, law down the law for those who have gone to these parties and hold them accountable for it.

[Loonman]

3. Did you print a code of conduct or charter for people to sign?

If not, you can't do a thing. If the parents want a refund, you have to pay it if you fold the group.

You have to have explicit wording in a charter or code of conduct thing that people sign explaining what actions would result in their funds being non-refundable.

[ugarte]

4. Can you fire the staff?

They obviously have no respect for your authority. Set an example that rules are rules.

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. If it's the staff members throwing the parties, fire them

because it could come back on you in a legal way. (though I don't that for sure, since I am not a lawyer).

If it's the high schooler's hosting, then you, at least, aren't legally responsible for anything. Their parents are.

But, methinks you either need to learn to live with it, or start busting some heads and making an example of people to let the rest of them know that you are truly serious about what you say. Especially since you've already told them it's not appropriate.

[DuctapeFatwa]

7. Parental notification and consent

Tell your staff that they must get notes from parents of minor children giving their permission to attend functions organized by the staff without your supervision or authority, and send a note to the parents telling them that it is the policy of the group that minor children must have parental consent to attend any unofficial off-premises gatherings involving staff members and not specifically authorized and supervised by you.

Put the ball in the parents' court, and send your staff a message that they are engaging in behavior that could have some consequences.

[madrchsod]

8. what ever you do

cover your ass!! really ,be completely up front with the parents,fire the adults , and start over. if it was my kid ,i`d sure in the hell would want to know and if i found out that you knew and didn`t say anything..all hell would break loose. it`s not your fault,it`s the "cover-up" or inaction that will get you. good luck and i hope you can start another troop. i`ve coached youth soccer for 18 yrs. and i know about taking responsiblity and having only a couple of parents thanking me for my time and effort..