Getting Started with a New Tribe

Here is a list of steps for getting started with a new tribe.

Schedule the first Dads Meeting (should take place as soon after organization meeting as possible). Dads meetings help tribes to iron out tiresome business details without boring the girls. Business may include: making assignments, discussing upcoming events, developing quality tribe activities, and improving tribe meetings. Dad meetings are usually held 4-6 times a year.

At 1st Dads meeting:
A. Select meeting night, set up dates of tribe meetings, and fill out Program Rotation Sheet.
B. Decide on Wampum and amount, bring to first tribe meeting.
C. Elect Tribe Chief and Officers.
D. Decide on Tribal property needed.

Schedule the first Tribe Meeting (should take place as soon after first dads meeting as possible). Tribes usually meet twice a month with one of those meetings being in the home of members on a rotating basis and the other being special Tribe outings or Nation and Federation events. The Tribe meeting should include ceremonies, refreshments, and activities such as crafts, stories,  lore, games, songs, and service projects.

At 1st Tribe meeting:
A. Choose a Tribe name (check with the YMCA office so you will not duplicate a tribe name already in use).
B. Dad and daughter pick out  names for themselves.
C. Make father and daughter headbands.

At 2nd Tribe meeting:
A. Complete the registration procedure by collecting fees, filling out Tribe Roster and Registration Forms and forwarding to the South Coast YMCA office.

At later Tribe meetings:
A. Tribe should develop a Tribe Cheer or Yell.
B. Each member of Tribe should memorize the aims and slogans of the program.
C. Dads and daughters should complete a project that is accepted by the Tribe.
D. Tribe should be recognized at official Induction Ceremony (date set by the YMCA).
Sponsors or Mentors are usually available to give support to tribes that are just getting started. Contact your Nation Chief or the South Coast YMCA Program Director for more information.