Engaging Youth As Partners Tips
- Youth and Young Adults have an opinion, ask them.
- Ask yourself how can this Youth or Young Adult contribute to the SOC process?
- Develop a Job Description for that position
- Check in with the young person regularly, do not assume that youth will know exactly what to do in their new job.
- Don’t be afraid to ask that Youth or Young Adult to mentor you.
- Keep in mind that the Youth or Young Adult is a partner in the SOC process; they are the expert in the field of youth.
- Youth or Young Adult want to know they are contributing to the process, not accompany you to training as a show and tell.
- Youth or Young Adults are growing and changing, and so are their minds. Expect Youth or Young Adults to transition out of the partnership as they mature and their lives change.
- Always be on the look out for new Youth or Young Adults to assume leadership roles as the current young people grow out of their roles.
- Youth or Young Adult should be fairly compensated for their input, work, travel and expenses.