Frequently Asked Questions
The
beauty of Children First is that it does not have a lot of structure.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Children
First.
Q: How does Children First operate?
A: For more than a decade, Children First had a Vision Team made up
of community members. In January 2007, a new operating structure, the
Asset Champions Network, was launched. Asset Champions represent the
places where they work, volunteer or go to school. Their role is to
become the asset experts in their organizations, train others and discuss
what they currently do and could do to build assets.
Asset Champions are ages 12 through senior citizens and from all types of organizations. The Asset Champions Network is intentional about spreading the asset-building philosophy community wide. For more info click on the "Asset Champions" tab to the left.
Q: What is the Executive Committee?
A: The Executive Committee is responsible for the integrity of the organization,
ensuring Children First is true to its mission. This group is also responsible
for funding. Children First does not have bylaws.
Q: Is there a staff?
A: There is one paid staff person, the Children First coordinator. The
coordinator is responsible for spreading the word about Children First
in St. Louis Park and encouraging individuals and organizations to act
on their asset building impulses. Currently this is done by working
with the Asset Champions who are determining how to embed asset building
in their organizations. The coordinator works for Children First, not
another organization in the community.
Q: How is Children First funded?
A: Children First operates on approximately $75,000 annually. All money
for the initiative is raised, primarily from private donors and foundations.
Many wonderful people and organizations provide in-kind contributions
such as office spaced, printing, graphics work, furniture and web page
design! Park Nicollet Foundation serves as Children First's fiscal agent.
Q: What is the key to Children First's success?
A: Those involved in Children First agree, the key to the initiative's
success is that it is based in a multi-sector partnership. Children
First has volunteer co-chairs. Children First co-chairs include a young
person who works with an adult. Adult co-chairs have been representatives
from education, health care, the city and the clergy.
No one organization has ownership of Children First, the whole community
does. Rather than running programs, Children First has stayed true to
its mission of spreading the asset building philosophy throughout St.
Louis Park.
(Note: Children First is a fluid initiative. Some of the things mentioned on this website live on, others have been modified and yet others are no longer.)