What It Means:
Programs authentically partner with youth to build their leadership skills. Young people are involved in meaningful opportunities to plan, implement, and evaluate program activities.
Why It Matters:
Young people are more likely to stay engaged in the program when their ideas and contributions are included. This places their interests at the center.
What Effective Practices Look Like:
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Staff value and encourage youth voice and expression. Youth have the opportunity to make significant choices about activities in the program.
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Youth serve as leaders and mentors to each other.
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Staff support youth’s leadership development through appropriate skill building opportunities (e.g. goals setting, planning).
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Youth input and contributions are encouraged in activity planning, implementation and evaluation. As young people gain experience, their input and contributions become increasingly sophisticated.
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Staff provide opportunities for reflection and for youth to showcase their work.