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Research
has shown that youth benefit from partnerships with adults when they
are seen as individuals who are competent and able to contribute to
important decisions that impact their communities (Camino, 2000b).
Research shows that youth involvement in positive social relationships
and activities with adults is associated with a decrease in risk behaviors,
stronger communication skills and leadership experience, increased
status and stature in the community, and improved competencies and
self-esteem. In the case of sexuality education and pregnancy prevention,
youth who are involved in their communities with adults have been
shown to be less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior (Kirby
& Coyle, 1997).
In addition to positive effects for youth, these partnerships have proven to be beneficial for adults as well. Youth-targeted programs that involve youth in the program design, implementation, and evaluation stages are inclined toward increased relevancy and effectiveness. By involving youth, the program will be more "in-touch" with the unique characteristics of the target group and will more likely appeal to and speak to that population. In addition to these benefits, having youth involved in the decision-making and implementation of a program has been shown to produce positive outcomes for programs. Involving youth in an organization may result in the following benefits (Klindera & Menderweld, 2001): · Fresh, new ideas,
· Have equal numbers of youth and adults on advisory boards,
councils and committees.
Nicole Polen, M.S. Karen Hoffman Tepper, Ph.D. |
