#Things2Consider

What is #Things2Consider

#Things2Consider are quick resource guides written by Youth MOVE staff and network partners to provide information an a variety of topics related to engaging youth and young adults in programs and ways to evaluate and approach youth programming. Take a look at the resources below for ways to involve youth and enhance your services! 

#Things2Consider Resources

Community Mapping | Measuring Success | Creating a Youth Advisory Board  Strategic Sharing | Logic Models | Strategic PlanningStipending Youth & Young Adults | Youth in Governance | Roles for Youth Advocates | Working in Faith Communities

Community Mapping

Community youth resource mapping is a process that identifies what resources and opportunities are available to youth in a community. Mapping also identifies current community needs. This can be done by canvassing resources within the community at local agencies, organizations, businesses, and other establishments to determine what is offered and at what capacity. When community resource mapping is youth-driven, the resulting map reflects both the resources available and the resources that youth choose to access and utilize.

Measuring Success

Youth programs are working to unify the voices and causes of youth at the local and national levels. There is a benefit to sharing program efforts; however, these efforts must reflect measurable results that support overall program achievement. Evaluation of your program can assist!

Creating a Youth Advisory Board

Youth Advisory Boards (YAB) are created by organizations and initiatives that are seeking structured input from youth.One youth cannot be expected to represent a diverse population of youth. To create a YAB, start with at least 8-10 youth, and a core group of 3-5 young leaders. Having a core group of committed members is a key ingredient in any YAB. Commitment means attending meetings, following through on tasks, leading or participating in discussions, and being willing to put in the time to be successful.

Strategic Sharing

Strategic Sharing is a method of telling your story safely and effectively in order to achieve a goal. Basically, it’s a process for sharing your lived experience with others in a manner that keeps you safe from negative experiences, and that teaches you how to share in a way that will help you reach the end result that you are aiming for.

Why and How to Develop Logic Models

A logic model is commonly referred to as a theory of change or a story of change. It is a useful document that helps integrate planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts for an organization or initiative. The process of creating a logic model is important for organizations and can be beneficial in creating new initiatives or improving and revitalizing existing organizations. Logic models can help identify your current focus, challenges, action steps, and the results you want to see. A logic model explains why your strategy is a good solution in overcoming the problem at hand.

Strategic Planning

How to Develop a Strategic Plan: For Youth-Run Programs and Organizations This is an engaging brainstorming exercise to get youth members involved in the planning process. This document describes an activity used by Youth MOVE Miami to encourage youth members to visualize the structure and goals of their organization. With thought and preparation, the results of this exercise can help create a framework for a logic model for your program or organization in the future.

Stipending Youth & Young Adults

We provide payment — often in the form of a stipend, honorarium, or gift card — to youth to show we value and appreciate their experience and contributions, just like we pay other professionals for their time and expertise at meetings. However, there isn’t one formalized way to calculate an appropriate rate or type of compensation. Instead, there are many things to think about! Recognize that each community, each partnership and each youth will have varying values and desires for compensation.

Youth in Governance

Youth can play an important role in governance. With the right support, they can help design, run, and evaluate youth programs and organization! In the end, you’ll have a program that’s FOR youth, BY youth!

Roles for Youth Advocates

A youth advocate is a youth or young adult with lived experience within youth serving systems. That might mean they have mental health needs, have been in foster care, or have experience in juvenile justice. Youth advocates view their background and lived experience as a strength, and they use it to advocate for change. Their objective is not only to advocate on behalf of youth, but also to empower youth to create change themselves! Youth advocates can be mentors for youth, demonstrating positive personal and professional development, and critical life skills. They do this by sharing their own experiences in a safe way to create peer connection and inspire youth.

Working in Faith Communities

Faith communities and youth organizations both hold community wellness in high regard. Partnering with youth and youth organizations helps these faith communities to live out their values of community engagement and supporting the health of youth and young adults. If you want to work with a faith community in your area, consider appealing to these shared values and addressing how collaborating with your youth organization can help everyone reach common goals!