Youth Leadership Council
Introduction
Within McAndreis, we have found for ourselves a way to keep the young not just interested in the clan but active, excited and eager to be there. Our youth are encouraged to take on a proactive part in all aspects of clan activities. We strive to keep the clan vibrant and active by involving our most precious resource: Our Children.
If it weren’t for our youth’s participation and activities in all clan events, we would simply not survive. Neither a clan, church or sports programme would be able to sustain its existence without the young becoming involved and staying so. This is true of most societies, associations, clubs and groups. One must convince the youth of today they are tomorrow’s future; it is they who will have to teach this same lesson to their own children in turn.
McAndreis have known this for generations and we do everything we can to assure that our young members have a vital place and purpose within the clan. Most of all, the youth have a voice and we MUST listen! We don’t treat them like children or patronise them, we take them seriously. With the exception of safety, commonsense and sometimes cost, we rarely interfere. We encourage them to plan their own events and programs. After all, they know what they want to do. It is the youth that secures our future and we must set their minds free and let their imaginations roam. We must encourage them and give them room to grow.
We invite and suggest to any clan or clan group, society or association to contact us if you would like to chat about our youth program. Many times over the years we have heard the same old complaints, “The young aren’t interested anymore”, “they do not care about old values or ways”. Each of us must endeavour to change this. You can do this easily.
Another clan leader told me they are ecstatic with a turnout of 40 members at a gathering. He went on to say, this was the average turnout of gatherings in Scotland today. After a moment’s reflection I realised that this was a poor statement of fact concerning the condition of the clan system today. The degeneration of the clan system is a direct result of the lack of participation of the youth and young adults who no longer find interest or reason to be involved. What makes McAndreis great is the participation, interest and co-ordination of and by our young people which is the lifeblood of any clan.
Our gatherings may be private and we may not invite many non-members. This is partly due to space, clan turnout and our need for clan and family time. However, it works and we thrive. Our young people look to us for guidance and trust and we give it, albeit at times with trepidation. What we get in return is: participation, interest, ideas, plans, gratitude and most of all respect.
With the wonders of the modern Internet, the once seemingly impossible meetings the kids need to have so often are no longer a logistical nightmare. It really is that simple. You will be astounded what your youth can and will achieve with a wee bit of supervision. When you see the youth from outwith your organisation wanting to take part, you will see the security of your future taking shape.
Our youth run their part of the clan as a clan within the clan; the eldest become elders.
The elders advise the leaders and the leaders listen to the board’s ideas and plans. The youth of the clan elect their own and achieve total control of their own workings. We sit back and advise as needed and only step in when needed. We keep a hands-off approach where and whenever possible.
Please feel free to contact us if you wish any information. Please email in the first instance.
Current Youth Leadership Council
Chief: Wayne C. Anderson, 16
Chieftain: Angus Anderson, 16
Captain: Kevin McAndreis, 15
Elders: Lisa Anderson, Eileen Anderson, Mathew Gordon, William Mcleod
Board: Chris Mcleod, 15, Alan Anderson, 15, Jack McKenzie-Anderson, 17, Leanna Anderson, 16, Michael Anderson, 16, Christine Gordon, 15, Amy Williams, 15