Promising Practices

The following promising practices are based on the evaluation of the 2004 Youth Involvement in Civic Governance and Decision-Making Program. They draw on an analysis of the telephone interview data and a comprehensive review of program documentation (e.g., site coordinator project reports, news releases, and newspaper articles), as well as a synthesis of existing research in the field of civic engagement (e.g., Skelton, Boyte & Leonard, 2002). These practices relate to program strategies that appear to be most effective in terms of influencing:

• Governance and leaderships skills among youth participants;
• Feelings of self-worth and self-confidence among youth participants;
• Recognition among adults of the value of involving youth in civic governance and decision making; and
• Attitudinal changes among participating adults and organizations about the contributions youth can make in addressing community issues.

Promising Practice Checklist:

1. Provide opportunities for youth to feel appreciated.
2. Involve youth in all phases of the program.
3. Balance power between youth and adults.
4. Combine civic governance with community service projects.
5. Involve parents.
6. Listen to, respect and take youth seriously.
7. Utilize all forms of communication media to build community interest and support.
8. Establish mentoring relationships between youth and adults.
9. Utilize various team-building approaches.
10. Prepare for long term success.

Promising Practices for Youth Involved in Civic Goverance (PDF File)

What are the Practical Ways We can Create and Sustain Youth? (PDF File)