Implementation Plan
In order to truly put this program to its best use, there are a few recommendations that should be considered. Since this will be a ‘pilot project’, there is a need to explore this program with a suitable venue within not only our Cree Nation, but also to target the very people that this program is aimed at: the Youth. From there, the time table needs to be set to properly prepare the program and obtain the necessary material when most needed in order to make the proper preparations. Also, there will be a brief outline of the methodology of the program, although similar to the program structure, must still be mentioned in order to properly understand its concept as to ensure that the proper initial event is used to instigate this ‘Voters in Training’ program.

3.1 Initial target venue: Cree Nation Youth Council elections of summer 2008
As discussed with the people directly involved, the target venue to introduce this program would be the Cree Nation Youth Council’s upcoming elections, which should fall around the summer of next year in 2008. It would be the proper suitable event for our Youth to be introduced and become familiar with the project. Since as we have come to find out, the voting turn-out has not been excessively positive for both the Youth and adult population for any of our elections, this venue could be a tremendous start to make the Youth aware of the happenings that surround the electoral campaign beyond the simple vote. It could also be a tremendous outlet for the eventual candidates to truly have their voices heard as part of the project, since it includes many activities that would require them to attend events within the schools. If this project is a success, this program could even become the ground work for future CNYC elections.

3.2 Time table outline
Here is a brief overview of the suggested timeline for this project to get underway. As it is only a recommendation, further discussion would be required, for issues such as acknowledgement from schools, the (eventual) candidates, the global participation numbers, etc. Once those are figured out, then we can have a better idea of when and where to start the project in the participating schools. As it is stated in the information package provided for the program, the project normally last approximately 3 to 4 months, depending on the size of the global participation numbers, the number of schools and the availability of the candidates to participate within the program. Therefore, this program should be ready and set-up sometime during the winter, as we also have to deal with the ‘Goose break’ issue once it comes up, as we will most likely lose a few weeks of activity during that time.

1. January/February: Initial contacts with the schools to generate interest and present the program
2. March/April: Ordering of material for the participating schools and initial set-up and introductions to the program (either during school hours or part of extra-curricular activities)
3. May/June/July: The formal activities related to the program with preparation for a mock election, activities with the candidates (when and if available), and preparation for and eventual voting process for both the mock election or strictly for the official voting of the CNYC election.

This is a simple recommendation. It is spread over several more months than what the program normally consists, but that’s the timeline they use when it is already established in a said school or school board. Therefore, we would need to take the extra time to ensure that all things are covered and the necessary preparations are done on a reasonable time table so that the program could run smoothly or in case some unforeseen event occurs that would alter some of the events or activities.

3.3 Methodology
In order for this project to run accordingly and as smoothly as possible, there needs to be numerous people involved at all levels of organizations. This includes the school principals, teachers, student councils and/or associations and as it is stated in the guide, the Citizenship Participation Agent (Officer) is the main contact for the project along with the program coordinator. Therefore, to properly jump-start this project, there needs to be initial contacts that will be willing to fully commit to participate and help in any way to make the project work, as there needs to be frequent communication between all parties concerned to make sure that all that is needed is available. From there, as stated previously, all that is needed for the project to be in motion is the material available from the program’s head office. It has all that is needed for all the activities, with suggestions, set methods of functioning, recommendations and examples of possible aspects to include within the whole process. The coordinator is also very open to either providing his personal assistance with the process or assigning someone to help the participating schools with the project. Fortunately, since this program has been established for several years now (since 2001), their system has all the necessary tools and resources we will need in order to make it work to its full extent with much success, if we have the necessary commitment.