Youth Development at a Glance: 

The Extension Center for Youth Development has identified eight critical elements essential to the healthy development of young people. They are based on Konopka’s and Karen Pittman’s research. Youth will benefit from experiences providing some or all of these elements.  In short, youth development is community development.

1. Youth feel a sense of safety and structure.
2. Youth experience active participation, group membership, and belonging.
3. Youth develop self-worth through meaningful contribution.
4. Youth experiment to discover self, gain independence and gain control over one’s life.
5. Youth develop significant and quality relationships with peers and adults.
6. Youth discuss conflicting values and form their own.
7. Youth feel pride of competence and mastery.
8. Youth expand their capacity to enjoy life and know that success is possible.

Youth and adults may miss the variety of ways in which they lead. Consider these questions: What’s great about me? . . . What makes me a leader? (PDF)

Youth voice and empowerment requires transparency in roles and responsibilities and an expansive list of opportunities for how to participate.

Read more here https://educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/resources/youth-voice-youth-aldult-partnerships-508.pdf

 
Resources to Start Your Youth Led Initiative:

Grants and Funding Resources 
Youth Advocates for Community Health Curriculum 
4-H Opportunity for All initiatives
Hedgehog Concept
True Leaders: Culture, Power and Justice-A youth development approach to social justice
Taking the Leap: Exploring a Theory of Program Innovation