Young people should be involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
They benefit. Organizations benefits. And so does the community. If you are
under 21 and want to learn how to become involved in positions of power, or
you are already working with young people and want to do so more
effectively, this manual is
for you. This comprehensive guide includes guidelines, worksheets, tips, a
resource directory, and stories from the street--all designed to help young
people and adults build effective relationships in order to work together in
improve their communities.
Get
the Word Out!
Answers the top questions many adults ask about youth
engagement: "Where do I start?" and "How can I help young people find
their power?" This is a quick introduction to many important central
concepts.
Leading
a Youth Resource Group
A youth worker resource group is a structured meeting of adults
who work with youth, and who listen and talk about things that matter to
young people. This booklet provides basic information about getting a
group going with tips on how to develop the group over time.
Listening
to Young People
We all see listening as a starting point to youth involvement.
But how do you actually do it? When used effectively, listening can make
our work with young people that much better.
Tips
from Young People on Good Youth/Adult Relationships
When adults stop preaching and youth start advising change can
happen! People make big changes in their lives when they can tell that
someone cares about them - read this booklet for proof positive!
Special Time
This booklet outlines a simple but very effective way to strengthen your child's
understanding that you care. Parents tell us that doing "Special Time" helps
their children to be more hopeful, more in tune with others in the family, and
better able to say what they really need.
Understanding and Supporting Young
People
To be effective, adults need to analyze their own youthful experiences. This
booklet is a hands-on policy statement for adults to work against young people's
oppression and its effects, and can be used as an outline for how adults can
better work with young people.
Youth on Board: How and Why to Involve
Young People in Organizational
Decision-Making
Produced in collaboration with the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, this
booklet is perfect for the busy staff person or Board chair who wants to find
out about involving young people in decision-making but does not have time to
read 14 Points with hand-outs and worksheets. The booklet is great for providing
introductory information to boards and committees to decide if this is the right
route for them.
Organizational
Assessment Checklist
This checklist can help you assess your organization's progress
toward youth involvement and pinpoint areas where you need help. Review
and evaluate your organization according to these points, and consider
using Youth On Board to make your organization's approach to involving
youth in decision-making that much better.
Freechild Reading List on
