We are thrilled to work with you during the conference. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve behind the scenes and make the conference possible. Get ready for a busy, incredible, and eye-opening event! This letter describes the main purposes of the Apprentice and Apprentice 2 roles, and it should help give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare.

Objectives of Apprenticeship

During your experience in the Apprentice Program, our goals for you are:

• to gain teaching experience and leadership skills to implement in your Chapter
• to model initiative and servant leadership for participants and coaches
• to observe experienced leaders handle responsibilities and lead students
• to build relationships with interns
• to deepen your understanding of the vision of cultural communication.

For Apprentice 2 (available at CFC Conferences only), our objectives for you are expanded:

• to further understand the role of an ICC intern
• to gain experience and perspective for coaching students
• to broaden abilities in order to lead in your community
• to serve as a role model and leader to other Apprentices, participants, and coaches
• to build relationships with interns
• to deepen your understanding of the vision of cultural communication.

Leadership Training Day (available at CFC Conferences)

Apprentices need to make plans for the Leadership Training Day (LTD) which takes place on Friday! This is so important that when you register for the conference you will be automatically registered for the LTD.  If you are an Apprentice 2, participation in LTD is required. We specifically designed this time to challenge Chapter members at all levels of experience by giving you a more focused, one-on-one learning environment. You’ll participate in Model UN, explore and refine ICCFS speeches, hear advice about progressing through the YSG Training Series and beyond, and learn about expanding your leadership within your Chapter, at ICC events, and with your local community.

Part of the purpose behind the Apprentice Program is to give you as much exposure to running a conference and coaching communication as possible. Arriving earlier allows you more time to shadow interns and plan for your role in leadership. With this time, you will be able to greet participants, prepare for the day, and keep the facility in order.

Attire

As the conference is approaching, you can start picking out what you’ll wear: it’s fun for Apprentices to coordinate their outfits to match what the interns wear each day. Our wardrobe for the tour is Red and Black/Grey, Pink and Black/Grey, Animal Print, and Purple and Black/Grey. We will contact you with which three theme colors will be used at your tour conference, as well as the specific order, before the conference begins.

Platform Opportunity

If you have a Young Speakers Guild speech that you wish to present at the training event, your Chapter Sponsor needs to preview it and contact the Area Coordinator to schedule an on-site audition. Speaking at the event gives you another platform to inspire and challenge members of your community.

Homework

To be completed prior to arrival.

Apprentice:

1. Create at least two goals for your time as an Apprentice. One should relate to your personal growth, and one should help you invest in your Chapter.
2. Design an activity that can be carried out in five minutes or less. This game should train some aspect of communication for either peers or younger participants. Be sure to identify the objective of the activity. Optional: email us the objective and description of the game, so we can compile it into a book of activities to be distributed between Chapters!
3. One of the major ways you serve at a conference is in assisting with teaching Beginning Public Speaking. There are several things you can do to start preparing:

• become familiar with the BPS songs
• memorize the Bible Verse the students will learn, 1 Timothy 4:12, in the New International Version
• think of a fun clap to cheer on the students

Optional: Prepare a 60-90 second speech about Becoming a Cultural Communicator, which we call a BCC. This gives you the chance to share an insight about what you've learned in the process of growing as a communicator. You can talk about a specific opportunity you've had, thoughts you have about influencing your culture and/or a challenge you have for your peers. We’d love for you to present this with all the conference participants at a General Assembly. Make sure to practice it and time it before you arrive. Your Area Coordinator will also preview this at the event.

Apprentice 2 (Available at CFC Conferences):

1. Create at least two goals for your time as an Apprentice Instructor. One should relate to your personal growth, and one should help you invest in your Chapter.
2. Put together a community analysis. Research and consider the issues, values, and mindsets that concern and influence your local community.
3. Prepare a 60-90 second speech about Becoming a Cultural Communicator, which we call a BCC. This gives you the chance to share an insight about what you've learned in the process of growing as a communicator. You can talk about a specific opportunity you've had, thoughts you have about influencing your culture and/or a challenge you have for your peers. We’d love for you to present this with all the conference participants at a General Assembly. Make sure to practice it and time it before you arrive. Your Area Coordinator will also preview this at the event.

Respect

We'd also like to remind you in your role during the conference, you will be representing your family, your Chapter, the organization of ICC, and ultimately, Christ. So keep in mind the four Respects in ICC Standards and Practices: 

• Respect for Sources - how you talk about Scripture or other people's ideas
• Respect for Others - the way you treat every student and fellow Apprentice
• Respect for Authority - being considerate of coaches and listening to directions that you receive from ICC staff
• Respect for Platform - understanding that your leadership and speaking roles are a privilege, keeping the facility in excellent condition, keeping to time limits, dressing appropriately

It would be excellent for you to review the full description of the Standards and Practices.
 

Thank you in advance for your desire to encourage Christian students to communicate for Christ! Your role is extremely important and we’re looking forward to having your experience and personalities on our team.
 

We’ll see you soon!