Youth In Governance
What is Youth in Governance?
Youth in governance is the authentic and meaningful engagement of young people in programs, organizations, and communities, where they have or share voice, influence, and decision-making authority. Many programmatic efforts—such as youth in government, youth on boards of directors, youth leadership training, or youth service-learning activities—can support progress toward the broader youth in governance vision.
4-H YIG National Report: Youth-Adult Partnerships in Community Decision Making: What Does it Take to Engage Adults in the Practice?
This 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.
The 4-H Youth in Governance Initiative
The 4-H Youth in Governance Initiative supports the preparation for—and practice of—youth participation in governance roles (in programs, organizations, and communities). The Initiative targets both youth and adults, supporting each in developing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in youth in governance.
Resource Library Entries:
Bibliography of Research on Youth in Governance
For more information, contact Cecily Morgan at cmorgan@fourhcouncil.edu
For Youth In Governance Grants click here.