Young People Creating Community Change

Why is it that in some of the world's most disinvested areas, there are young people creating community change? What are some strategies for involving young people in the decisions and institutions that affect their lives? What would happen if society viewed young people as competent citizens and positive resources rather than social problems and passive victims of services? This seminar examines several strategies for involving young people in organizational development and community change. It considers the changing content of youth participation, models and methods of age-appropriate and culturally-competent practice, roles of youth and adults as citizens and collaborators, obstacles to youth particiaption and ways of overcoming them, and perspectives on the future of youth and community in a diverse democratic society. Special emphasis will be placed on youth participation in socially disadvantaged and economically disinvested areas worldwide.