B PARTNERING WITH YOUTH
Adults are essential partners for the success of youth advisory councils . They should build relationships , help organize , provide coaching , and empower and inspire youth to lead .
Adult partners should :
Ensure youth have the skills and resources to be successful .
Create a safe , welcoming environment .
• This takes practice and time that must be honored . It is recommended to leave additional time in the first few meetings of the year / project for extra team building . See these examples :
• Elementary ReciPeace Activities
• Secondary ReciPeace Activities
• Focus on building authentic relationships .
• Remember , this is continuous work and requires team and self-evaluation .
• Consider that each person has a different way of building connections . However , sharing personal stories , honesty , and vulnerability are all activities and traits important for adult partners to model .
Set clear parameters for success ( see example ).
Let youth be experts in what they know and adults be experts in what they know .
Use evidence-based , best practices .
• Positive Youth Development should be the foundational approach to interactions with youth leaders — this approach is a proven public health strategy for prevention , intervention , and treatment of high-risk health behaviors in adolescents .
Be aware of how each youth participates and progresses .
• Be prepared to slow down the process so youth have the capacity and skills to be successful .
• If the group ( s ) seem “ stuck ,” consider co-creating meeting norms to help everyone be heard ( e . g ., Step Up / Step Back ).
Develop and continually highlight youth leadership strategies , skills , and tools . For example :
• Creativity
• Hope / Resiliency
• Self-advocacy
• Community engagement and service
• Adults should recognize examples and moments when youth exhibit these characteristics during meetings .
Provide consistency .
• Manage organizational needs , including organizing documents , website oversight , funding , etc .
Serve as a liaison .
• Build partnerships between youth and other organizations , such as the school district , funders , and community partners ( including nonprofits , local businesses , and government agencies ).
Create continuity wherever possible .
• Select adult partners who can commit to the youth advisory council over a long period of time .
MODIFY THIS GUIDE TO FIT YOUR NEEDS !
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