mid-missouri's gay staight youth alliance

Mission

Our Constitution

Vision:
Our vision is that all youth live in a world that respects them; gives them access to a support system of peers and allies; where there is visible and accessible institutional support; live healthy, rewarding lives; believe in their own power and are actively involved in leadership within the community.

Mission:
Prism is an alcohol and drug-free community for all youth with an emphasis on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and ally issues. Prism seeks to promote a welcoming, safe, fun, and educational environment through exciting discussions, creative activities, and pro-active outreach. Prism encourages change, tolerance, individuality, and respect. Prism will always be a SANCTUARY, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Philosophy:
Prism is guided by the philosophy that young people are not only capable of empowering themselves as individuals, but are also able to take leadership in service for their own communities.

1. Membership:
   Prism exists to provide community and support for Mid Missouri lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning and ally youth between the ages of 13 and 19 years of age. While active members may remain involved in Prism activities until 21 years of age, no one over 19 years will be permitted to participate in Prism as a new member. Parents, returning members, and interested visitors are welcome at meetings and events, but please check in with the adult coordinator.
   
   
2. Location:
   Prism meets at a designated community location on Wednesday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Other meeting times and places may be approved by coordinators and members.
   
   
3. Statement of non-discrimination:
   We believe in equal rights for all people. Therefore personal attacks and discrimination have no place within the group. All personal disputes should be resolved outside the group. Additionally, we avoid making assumptions about people and pressuring them to label themselves. We understand that sexuality is fluid and cannot always be easily defined.
   
   
4. Ownership:
   Prism is owned and operated by Mid-Missouri youth under the supervision of an advisory board in order to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the group.
   
   
5. Confidentiality:
   Prism recognizes the importance of confidentiality and will respect the individual's right to privacy. If a person violates the safety or confidentiality of the group or any of its member's, appropriate action will be taken against the offending individual. The only exception to this rule would be if an adult advisory board member becomes aware that a Prism member is acting in such a way that it places him/her or others in immediate physical danger. In this case, the board members will act to secure the safety of the Prism member and others involved.
   
   
6. Environment:
   We hope to provide a secure environment that encourages LGBTQQA youth to celebrate who they are fully without shame or apology. We will work to make Monday night meetings a time for community and individual fun, enrichment, and education. We recognize that Prism is comprised of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and therefore we will work to organize activities in which all members can participate.
   
   
7. Advisory Board:
   All board members are responsible for obtaining financial resources to support Prism, addressing comments, suggestions and complaints, and ensuring the growth and continuity of the organization.
   
   The Advisory Board members will play the following roles within the organization:
   
   
   1. Coordinators:
      Two or three adult Prism advisory board members will act as "coordinators". At least two co-coordinators will facilitate each Prism activity. Coordinators take turns attending the Monday night meetings. Youth members decide on activities and plan them but typically the coordinators do the background work, such as: picking up the video for screening, gathering board games together, arranging the guest speaker, providing snacks, etc. The coordinators report directly to the Advisory Board.
      
      
   2. Secretary:
      This person is responsible for taking minutes at the monthly board meeting and distributing these to the Prism advisory board members and youth members.
      
      
   3. Treasurer:
      This person is responsible for budget management (maintaining the check book, etc.).
      
      
   4. Webmaster:
      This person is responsible for managing the Prism website.
      
      
   5. Historian:
      This person is responsible for maintaining a record of Prism activities, including the constitution, Advisory Board meeting agendas and minutes, workshop materials, photo album, etc.
      
      
   6. Liaisons:
      Two board members (with social work or professional counseling licenses) will serve in this role and will be responsible for providing support and supervision to the coordinators. These activities may include: recommending programming, processing group and coordinator interactions, providing education about youth development and relevant clinical issues, and making referrals to culturally competent services.
      
      

In addition, the board will maintain the assistance of a legal advisor who may or may not have a formal role on the board. This individual will maintain not-for-profit (501-3C) paperwork and advise the board regarding legal matters.