New Year, New Look at Positive Youth Development
When Cities Make a Plan for Young People, Youth Workers Are Part of the Process
The idea that communities should take responsibility for the wellbeing of their young people is gaining ground in towns and cities across the Nation, from Newport News, Virginia, to Portland, Oregon. Encouraged by the National League of Cities, in Washington, DC, these municipalities are creating “youth master plans”: citywide strategies to enhance services for youth, involve them in decision making, and improve the quality of life for young people and their families.
Cities—and sometimes counties—create youth master plans through a collaborative process that involves government leaders and agencies, youth-serving organizations and other nonprofit groups, community members, school systems, and young people.
“There’s definitely a seat at the table for youth-serving organizations,” says Kate Sandel, senior program associate at NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. “The big thing is getting everybody on board.”
The goals of youth master planning mesh nicely with the missions of youth programs, say youth workers who have participated in citywide efforts. The projects, they say, can yield tangible results, like a youth center or new parks, and intangible ones, such as greater respect for young people across the community.
Stage 1: Preplanning >> |
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