Youth Action, Empowerment & Leadership

Developing capable youth, strong families and responsible communities require involving young people in every possible way in the programs, institions, neighborhoods and communities that impact their lives. They become more invested in what they learn, more committed to attaining their goals, and develop valuable leadership skills and experience in the process. Simultaneously, families organizations and communities benefit from the creativity, abilities and energy of young people engaged as resources.

We must find ways to integrate youth into our organizations, institutions and communities, to involve them in work with other youth and in partnerships with adults, that help them address their development needs while engaged in meaningful and productive opportunities.

Through youth participation opportunities, young people can effectively participate in shaping and improving our community, bringing fresh ideas and new perspective into planning and decision-making as well as needed resources for implementing and evaluating efforts.

Everyone benefits when youth get involved!