We have started a Youth Group at Church. There is a whole variety of kids from the ages of 13 up. Some of them live on the street, others live in shelters and others come from mainstream families. A lot of these kids smoke. What should our policy be about smoking. Some of the kids have huge issues in their life such as AIDS, abuse, pregnancy etc. As the Youth facilitators we've always felt that we should accept whoever comes to the group seeking Christ and then He will convict them of what He wants changed in their lives. We don't want kids in need to stay away because they cannot smoke on the premises. On the other hand how is this policy affecting the non-smoking kids? None of the kids are allowed to smoke inside. A smoking area has been designated away from the hall.
2006-07-25 23:22:13 · 7 answers · asked by SweetyPie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
it's a good thing that yall care enough to even take into consideration what the youth want. too many people see the kids you describe as throw away. Smoking is not ever a good thing but it would be nice if you gave them a place where they can smoke. sounds like they have enough strife in their lives without being cast out over a cigarette. I don't smoke now, quit in 1997, but i do understand the power of a cigarette, especially if you are in a place where you don't feel totally comfortable anyway. God bless you!
2006-07-25 23:28:38 · answer #1 · answered by notyours 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be clear and stern but polite while enforcing your non smoking policy.. Put up bill saying "Thank you for not smoking" or something to similar effect, within the premises.Non smokers wont be affected as it dose not address them
2006-07-26 06:38:59 · answer #2 · answered by Muffy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should not smoke during meetings, because that affects everyone. They should also be encouraged to not smoke. But it is most important that they come to the meetings... that's the real issue. Keep them coming!
2006-07-26 08:42:28 · answer #3 · answered by Paul McDonald 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't maintain some kind of standards in your group then of what value would it be? Don't feel that you have to cater to the lowest common denominator. They will respect you for expecting a certain standard and would probably consider you hypocrites if you didn't practice what you preach. Tell them that they are welcome but that you expect a minimum standard.
2006-07-26 06:48:10 · answer #4 · answered by uselessadvice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let them smoke in the smoking area
2006-07-26 09:03:29 · answer #5 · answered by Char 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
explain to the smokers nicely they are welcome
but they have to go outside to your smoking area
alterative make a well ventilated room were they are allowed
to smoke put it to the vote to all concerned
dont drive them away they all need you regardless
2006-07-26 06:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that they have to smoke outside...
2006-07-26 06:25:47 · answer #7 · answered by mu_sa_kossan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋