Youth-Adult Partnerships in Community Decision Making
The 4-H Youth in Governance Executive Summary and national report: Youth-Adult Partnerships in Community Decision Making: What Does it Take to Engage Adults in the Practice, authored by Shepherd Zeldin, Julie Petrokubi (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Carol McNeil (University of California-Davis) are available for download at the following National 4-H Council website: http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/YouthInGovernanceProgram.aspx .
The report outlines a strategic, yet practical, framework for promoting Youth-Adult Partnership in settings such as organizational boards, community coalitions and local government. Grounded in two years of research with 4-H Youth Development in multiple states, this report describes “best practices” for how 4-H staff can effectively support volunteer and community leaders as they engage in youth-adult partnerships. The report includes examples of approaches and best practices from the perspectives of youth development professionals, adult community leaders and young people. A brief overview of the theory and research on youth participation is also included to assist professionals in “making a strong case” for Youth-Adult Partnership. This report raises issues that may be useful in planning the promotion and implementation of other types of innovative youth development practices.
Lori Bushway | Grant writing fuel, Resources, on-line publications