Youth Engagement - Spectra of Activities

Spectra of Activities

Research has identified a spectrum of approaches to youth engagement, beginning with training for adults that work with youth. These range from traditional programs that treat youth as clients to organizations that are led by youth and for youth. There are also groups who foster engagement among traditionally non-involved youth by working to foster more significant youth participation outside of the program or organization itself. Other points in this spectrum can include:

  • Youth-serving: The program targets youth as consumers of service
  • Youth input: Youth evaluate or provide feedback on the program
  • Youth-engaged: Youth are involved in program development and/or delivery and
  • Youth-led: The program concept and/or organization came from youth
  • Youth-connecting: The activity facilitates youth interaction and builds connections through social mediums

Each has value, and where a program or groups sits depends on the degree to which youth are engaged in the program with meaningful participation, and the degree to which the organization offering the program has policies and infrastructures to support youth involvement in a meaningful way.

Read more about this topic:  Youth Engagement

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