Growing young leaders and trees

Last year in late March, the Youth Managers (YMTs) of Tree Musketeers began planning El Segundo's 30th Annual Arbor Day Celebration. With three seniors graduating in 2016 and seven new recruits in the fall, there was little time to spare in getting all the YMTs up to speed on their responsibilities while also getting on the same page for preparing to reach a huge milestone.

For many years, young leaders who were passionate about getting more involved in their community could take leadership training classes such as Personal Skills, People Skills, Organizational Management and Public Speaking. After completing these four summer program courses, those interested in joining the Youth Management Team were tasked with filling out an application, going through an interview process, taking an orientation and finally passing a Youth Supervisor Training program later in the fall. Unlike previous celebrations, the Youth Managers got a head start focusing on making this event one of the best that Tree Musketeers has ever hosted.

Some of the big changes to this year's plan included new tree planting sites along California Street in El Segundo, mulching the entirety of the western half of Imperial Highway median adjacent to LAX, and having volunteers participate in pruning during the event for the first time. Now that trees planted over the last several Arbor Day celebrations are into their juvenile years and ready for pruning, six teams will be led by a certified arborist who will train individuals in their teams. With so many Youth Managers performing so many different tasks, the staff and instructors at Tree Musketeers spent extra time prepping them for the opportunity to speak to the local news, give a speech at city council, and present to a group of over 400 volunteers.

Planning has been a growing process for the young leaders at Tree Musketeers. Here is what a few of them had to say:

        "Planning this year's Arbor Day event has been a very fun, exciting, and challenging experience. It has definitely opened my eyes to what some of the greatest leaders must go through on a regular basis to plan and organize community change." -Fernando, President and Youth Manager, 16-years-old

        "This has been a great way to lend a helping hand in the community with the problem of climate change." -Alison, Youth Manager

        "Helping to plan an event like this shows what it's like in the real world to be a leader as an adult." -Sebastian, Youth Manager

Fernando, Lucas, Nk, Alison, Kate, Victor, Sebastian, and Paloma of the Youth Management Team would like to give a huge thank you for helping to train them for future work in social and environmental justice.

It has been quite the active fall for young leaders here at Tree Musketeers!

In August we recieved our incoming class of Youth Managers and got them up to speed with Youth Planting Supervisor training in November.

All members of the community in grades 5 through 12 are encouraged to register to be trained as Youth Planting Supervisors. Not only can trained YPS participate in volunteer events with Tree Musketeers but they are called upon to lead groups of general volunteers of all ages. The training includes a classroom portion, taught by own Executive Director Gail Church, where the students learn how to plant trees to ISA (International Society of Arboraculture) specifications as well as how to effectively lead volunteers in a multitude of situations. 

In the afternoon Fernando, our Youth Manager and President of Tree Musketeers, led the planting portion. The 8 trainees put theory into practice, successfully planting Stella, a Pink Trumpet Tree.

After the planting the YPS trainees joined hands for the 3×3 Pledge which states those present will do all they can to protect the tree so that it grows to maturity, giving the community all the great environmental services that trees provide. These YPS trainees did an amazing job! Way to go Alison, Victor, NK, Paloma, Kate, Noah J, Noah S, and Isaac!

The two-part training that took place on Saturday November, 5th was a great success! Here is what one Adult Partner had to say:

                                "It's great seeing the quiet ones really take charge
                                 and get their hands dirty!" - Louise, APT

Our Youth Managers also planned our 4th Annual Make a Difference Day (our 2nd largest annual event) leading over 140 volunteers in a community cleanup along our Trees to the Sea and lead Memory Tree Planting Ceremonies for plantings honoring people and events.

What if I want to become a Youth Planting Supervisor?

If you are between ages 10 and 17 and want to lead volunteer events with Tree Musketeers sign up for our next YPS training on January 21st, 2017!

Our big 30th Anniversary Arbor Day Celebration is coming up and all trained YPS will lead their own group of both youth and adult volunteers.

How else can I help out?

We are always happy to recieve volunteers for our weekly, monthly and annual events. Check out our volunteer calendar to check out our upcoming events. No time to spare? Your continued donations go a long way to training our youth and caring for our trees as well! 

Those interested in Adult Partner training should register for our free workshops in January or February 2017. If you are interested in trainings and are 18 and over give us a call at 310-322-0263 or visit our Adult Partner Team page.

All of us here at Tree Musketeers want to give you a big thank you for your continued support.

Happy Holidays!

Links:

• Volunteer Calendar
• Youth Planting Supervisor Training
• Adult Partner Team Training