Youth in Leadership

Involving Youth in Decision - Making

 

The Neighborhood Planning Division, in its efforts to empower neighborhoods to become better places to live, understands the value and importance of youth engagement in neighborhoods. Often, youth are viewed as the problem rather than the problem solvers. Utilizing the insights, energy, and perspectives of youth can be a valuable way to improve neighborhoods.

Research shows that young people can have a very powerful and positive effect on adults and organizations that give youth a role in decision - making.


A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin - Madision found many ways that adults, organizations, and communities benefit from authentic youth participation, including the following:


Adults Improve

 

-Adults experience the competence of youth first - hand, and begin to view young people as legitimate, crucial contributors to organizational decision - making processes.

 

-Youth enhance and energize the commitment of adults to the organization.

 

-Adults feel more effective and more confident in working with and relating to youth.

 

 

-Adults understand the needs and concerns of youth and gain a stronger sense of community connections.

 

Organizations Improve

 

-Organizational culture enhances as a result of youth participation.

 

-Young people help to clarify and bring focus to the organization's mission.

 

-Adults and organizations as a whole become more connected and responsive to youth in the community.

 

-Having youth as decision - makers help convince foundations and other funding agencies that the organization are serious about promoting youth development.

 


Lastly, and without question, involving young people in decision - making promotes positive adolescent development.

 

 

Source: At the Table: Making the Case for Youth in Decision - Making