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Promoting
Youth Development |
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How Does TNOYS Promote
Youth Development?
Youth Development is a shift in thinking
which challenges us to look at youth differently. Through the lens of
Youth Development, youth are not “at risk,” or a set of problems to be
fixed; rather they are resilient, resourceful people who can partner with
adults in a joint effort to solve community problems.
TNOYS believes that youth-serving
organizations play a critical role in promoting youth development, and
that youth development happens most effectively when youth are empowered
and involved at multiple levels. Those levels include self-advocacy,
service provision, evaluation, agency governance, community development,
and policy development. TNOYS helps youth agencies to explore new roles
and approaches to engage in community youth development.
TNOYS designates two positions for youth on
its Board of Directors; and the Board currently includes a third youth
serving as a Community Representative. Youth involved in the Preparation
for Adult Living Program participate regular in the development of the
YO Youth Newsletter. Youth are actively involved as Peer Leaders in the
PEAKS Adventure Program. Youth involvement is a key component in the
Youth Express Project. TNOYS trainings and conferences promote youth
involvement, and when possible include youth speakers and presenters. A
new training curriculum entitled “Advancing Youth Development”
introduces youth workers to a youth development approach and helps them
apply these concepts in their day-to-day work. TNOYS also promotes youth
development by organizing a “Youth in Action” at the bi-annual
Children’s Advocacy Day, where youth are empowered to bring issues of
concern to policy makers.
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