Youth Venture

The Ally Agreement is a tool designed to help both the Venture Team and the Ally communicate and define their roles. Both Venture Teams and Allies should adapt the role of the Ally to fit their needs. Keep the following points in mind as you complete the Ally Agreement:

• Allies are not responsible for doing the work of any team member. Allies should not be in charge of planning activities, leading team meetings, managing the team's money, or making decisions for the Venture.
• Allies are responsible for introducing teams to relevant community businesses and organizations, provide advice when teams make decisions for their Venture, or offering encouragement throughout the Venture.
• The Ally Agreement gives both you and your Ally the opportunity to include stipulations, which can incorporate either specific needs or limitations. For example, the Venture Team may express the need for an Ally who will help them manage their finances, while the Ally might say that he or she is only able to attend two out of four Venture meetings a month.
• After these stipulations have been discussed and agreed upon, both you and your Ally can officially commit to the agreement and to each other by signing the Ally Agreement.
• Both the Venture Team and the Ally should keep a copy of the Ally Agreement.
• A Sample Ally Agreement is below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Allies

Q. How do I ask someone to be my Ally?
A. This can be a little scary, especially if you don’t know your potential Ally very well. Explain to him/her what your Venture is doing, why you care about it, and how you think that he/she can help. Even if he/she isn’t able to help your Venture as an Ally, he/she may be able to recommend someone who can. He/She may also be able to help your Venture is other ways, such as donating funds or volunteering for a one-time event. The only way to know is to ask!

Q. Can a parent of a Venturer be an Ally?
A. Of course! Parents often make wonderful Allies because they already know so much about you and your friends. Just make sure that they understand that a Venture is youth-led and won’t be tempted to take over members’ responsibilities. Filling out an Ally agreement can help make sure that everyone understands and follows their roles.

Sample Ally Agreement

As an Ally for the Youth Venture team ______________________________________,
(Venture Team name)

I, _________________________________________, will provide support and guidance
(Ally name)

without taking the control of the Venture away from the team members. As an Ally, I agree to:

• Attend Selection Panel.
• Supply suggestions when youth get stuck.
• Provide guidance when the Venturers make decisions concerning the Venture.
• Offer my expertise to the Venture Team.
• Help connect the Venture Team to my community.
• Be a liaison between Youth Venture and the Venture Team.
• Encourage the Venture Team throughout the Venture.
• (Additional stipulations by Venture Team)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(Additional stipulations by Ally)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

As an Ally, I will not…

• Make decisions for the Venture Team.
• Take over the Venture.
• Schedule or lead Venture meetings.
• (Additional stipulations by Venture Team)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(Additional stipulations by Ally)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Ally’s Contact Information:

Ally Name: _____________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone: ___________________ Evening Telephone: _________________

Email: ________________________ Relationship to Team: _____________________

This Ally Agreement does not bind, legally or otherwise, an Ally to Youth Venture or any partnering organization; signing indicates that the signer understands the conditions of the agreement, and that he/she is committed to fulfilling his/her responsibilities. All Allies are subject to background checks conducted by Youth Venture or partnering organizations.

Ally: By signing below, I am stating that I understand my role as an Ally, and am agreeing to the above conditions, and am making a commitment to the Youth Venture Team.

_____________________________________________________
Ally Signature

_____________________________________________________
Date

Venture Team: By signing below, we are stating that we understand the Ally’s role, and we are making a commitment to the Ally.

_____________________________________________________
Lead Venturer Signature

_____________________________________________________
Date

© Youth Venture, 2007. All rights reserved.