The National League of Cities (NLC) Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) created a framework to support cities as they work to promote youth civic engagement. Through a year-long process of research, interviews and dialogue with city leaders, the YEF Institute has brought together the strongest theory and the best practices of localities to provide guidance on the elements that make youth engagement in government meaningful and sustainable.
From the executive summery: This guide then describes each of the AYCE critical elements in detail, highlighting actions that can increase the likelihood of success.
The Setting section reinforces how important it is for elected officials and community leaders to believe youth can help local government build a better community. It presents numerous tips to promote that belief and act on it.
The Structure section explores the various options that municipal leaders can consider to organize and manage the city’s approach to AYCE.
The Strategy section describes how to make a wide range of opportunities available and accessible to a broad diversity of youth that allow them to have an impact on important issues.
The Support section outlines how adults, within and outside of local government, can work as colleagues
with youth and build bridges between them and the adult world.
Finally, a Tools and Resources section will connect city officials with ideas, strategies and other local leaders around the country who can share information and support for this challenging and rewarding work
