From Jack Pelton: Member Input Helps Simplify Youth Protection Policy
The overarching purpose of the policy remains the same – to protect young people who are involved in EAA’s youth programs and protect our volunteers who dedicate time, energy, and their own funds to these programs. Within that, we’ve split the policy’s elements into three distinct areas: Young Eagles flights and activities, youth education programs such as aircraft building projects, and youth activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Within the Young Eagles segment, you’ll note the following changes, thanks to the input of members and volunteers:
- Removing what many thought was an overly burdensome photography policy. There are now simple guidelines to work with parents when taking photos.
- No requirement to provide a Social Security Number when completing the background check (it is optional).
- Simplified requirements for ground volunteers at Young Eagles rallies, to requiring only two-deep leadership that has completed the training and background checks.
- Elimination of the staff-to-youth ratio for Young Eagles rallies.
- Clarification on topics such as supervision in an aircraft, individual Young Eagles flights, and record keeping.
I urge you to also review the brief guidance sheet regarding the Youth Protection Policy and Young Eagles activities. It will help answer questions that you may receive, although it’s important to know and understand the entire policy as it relates to Young Eagles. We’ll have similar background sheets coming for other chapter youth activities and for AirVenture youth activities. For the latest updates, go to www.EAA.org/youthprotection.
Again, thanks for your input. We are all passionate and dedicated when it comes to EAA’s youth programs, which is why they’ve been so successful. It makes us excited about the positive impact we can have on the future of aviation.
