The following is a list of 50 things adults can do with (not for) youth. This document is also available for download in PDF format. Note: in order to view it in PDF format you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, if you don't have it you can download it for free from the Adobe site.
|
1. Have a real conversation with a group of young people. Ask young people what they want to do and how you can assist to make that happen. 2. Support community organizations that involve young people in meaningful roles. 3. Start a resource library of videos, photographic and printed materials on youth involvement in your community. 4. Financially and personally support organizations that train young people and adults to work together. 5. Develop a mutual mentorship program between adults and young people. 6. Co-create or support along with young peoples a community centre or place for young people and adults to gather and do constructive things together. 7. Listen to young people express their concerns and perspectives about community issues and opportunities and help them take action. 8. Be an advocate for young men and women by making sure they’re at the table when you are discussing them. 9. Highlight in the local newspapers the positive contribution of young men and women. 10. Introduce the 'Youth at the Centre' tools as a way of helping young people study their opportunities and challenges of the community, and then to plan and implement projects that will enhance the community. 11. Write a letter to a newspaper editor about youth issues with a young person. 12. Respect young people as you would a peer, and talk to them as you would talk to an adult. 13. Work with young people to plan a community focussed project. 14. Hold a breakfast and invite young people to come and discuss their community, and what they would like to see happen. 15. In planning youth development activities, start with the talents, assets and skills of young people, rather than their problems and deficiencies. 16. Involve interested young people as consultants, interns, apprentices, and staff. 17. Be consistent and clear about your expectations of youth and adults in your home. 18. Team up with young men and women and youth-led groups to have a town meeting on a vision for young people in your community. 19. Identify and network with young people in your community who are interested in youth and community issues. 20. Network and connect with other adult committed to genuine youth participation principles. 21. Provide transportation to young people who would not otherwise be able to participate in community activities. 22. Team up with young people to support political candidates at local, state, and national levels who make listening to, and working with young people a priority! 23. Help arrange for a radio station to sponsor a call-in show led by young people that allows them to talk about their ideas. 24. Help arrange for young people to have a regular audience with the mayor and the local council to highlight their ideas for improving social and social opportunities. 25. Work with young people to establish Youth Council within the community. 26. Insist that any development committees operating within the community must reserve several committee places for young people. 27. Only go to meetings where youth are invited or you can bring young people with you. 28. Create opportunities for young women and men to lead, teach and mentor. 29. Advocate for youth-led experiences in the schools so students can learn through hands-on experience. 30. Make your home a comfortable, safe, and affirming place where young people are welcome. 31. Help young people create a newsletter for your community on youth issues and perspectives. 32. Help young people compile a list of all opportunities for youth involvement in your community. Post it in your local library and schools. Have estate agents give it to new families in town. 33. Involve young people as mentors to community and business members in the use of the Internet and E commerce opportunities. 34. Email editions of community newspapers to all local young people studying away from the town. 35. Maintain a database of all ex students from the community and communicate each year about the community and its opportunities and solicit development ideas. 36. Raise funds for a youth-led organization. 37. Avoid pigeon holing of young women and men and generalising about their behaviour, opinions or ideas. 38. Join (or form) with young people a community task force to develop ideas and implement actions to improve community opportunities. 39. Support young people in an audit of local businesses in terms of their youth friendliness. 40. Cancel a meeting or engagement so you can spend time with a young person in your family or community. 41. Confide in a young person. Ask their advice on issues that you are struggling with. 42. Be an advocate for youth/adult partnerships in your workplace. 43. Maximise the opportunity for success by youth led projects by ensuring adequate provision of information, training, support, resources, time and space. 44. Value young people’s work and pay them for their work. Don’t assume that just because someone is young they are volunteers. 45. Write notes of appreciation for young people who contribute to the community or achieve in the arts, sports and service. 46. Attend events in the area where young people are actively engaged. 47. Monitor regional, state and national youth leadership development experiences, and promotes participation by local young people. 48. Advocate the local community commit resources for local youth leadership development experiences. 49. Avoid interrupting young people. 50. Do involve young people in all states of planning, managing and evaluating youth related events and projects. |