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Youth/Adult Partnerships

By: Youth Service America

This article looks at the components of creating a youth/adult partnership and what needs to be in place for a partnership to develop into a sustainable relationship.

There are eight elements of successful youth/adult partnerships: attitudes, learning, logistics, involvement, analysis, outreach, commitment and exchange.

Attitudes

Youth and adults need to assess their own attitudes and behaviors. Some key questions that should be addressed individually by each member are:

Do I appreciate different perspectives?
What stereotypes do I have about others?
Why should I be open to working with youth/adults?
Could I share power with a(n) youth/adult?
Do I hold preconceptions about youth/adults? What are they and why?

Respect also plays a major role in one's attitude/behavior towards others.

Each person in the group deserves the same respect given to others.
A culture of respect provides all people the opportunity to act on their dreams and learn from their mistakes.

Learning

Create opportunities that foster mutual learning.

Provide for orientations and trainings that are beneficial to support both youth and adults.
Make sure that the trainings are relevant to the group's purpose and will enable them to get things done effectively.
Consider trainings on: problem solving, action planning, how to read budget reports, etc.
Be sure to get suggestions on trainings from members and utilize youth trainers.

Logistics

Determine roles and responsibilities for both youth and adults: How will young people fit into the organizational structure or overall plan? Who will be responsible for what?
Be conscious of youth and adult schedules when planning meetings and gatherings.
Account for transportation of youth and be aware of food and beverages served at meeting (i.e., if serving alcohol to guests offer youth a non-alcoholic alternative).

Involvement

Count us in: Decisions about young people should be made with young people.

Involving young people from the beginning builds ownership.
Adults need to support young people in taking on responsibility based on what they can do, not what they have done.
Young people and adults must hold each other accountable for all their decisions and actions.
Provide financial and moral support.
Create situations which foster mentorship between youth and adults.
Push your organization/project/team to challenge the boundaries; How could this Youth/Adult Partnership be even more successful?
Encourage creative and new ideas.
Acknowledge time, effort, and successful partnerships with recognition and celebration activities.
Have fun!

Analysis

Reflection helps everyone appreciate the importance of their work — for themselves, for their program, and for their community.

Both youth and adults should reflect on strengths, weaknesses, and personal practice they observe through their partnership.
Reflection can be facilitated through on-going discussions about:
- What have we learned through this interaction?
- Should anything be changed?
- What are some areas in which I can improve?
- What have we gained?
- How can we do things better?

Networking/Outreach

Find out who is doing the same thing:

Invite other youth/adult partnership groups to functions.
Ask youth or adults from other groups to give workshops/presentations
Let other groups know your availability for trainings.
Help to build sustainability in your group by reaching out and having others become involved.
Encourage people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to participate.
Sell your program or idea: What will new participants help accomplish?
Determine the benefits of participation: Youth — How will you benefit from participating in a project or program?; Adults — What does your program/organization have to offer? (experience/skills/stipends)
Involve young people in the recruitment process. Program alumns are oftern most effective at attracting new members.
Young people and adults should continually challenge the impact of their programs on the community.

Commitment

It takes time: Investing in the future is accepting young people as leaders today.

Both youth and adults should be honest about the expectations they have of each other and the level of commitment they are able to contribute to the partnership.
Young people and adults must set their fears aside and take a chance on each other.
Each person must develop their own ability to work with each other.
Both parties must be willing to commit their time and energy to do the work and be willing to learn from each other.
Strong partnerships require patience, understanding, and courage.

Exchange

Listen up: An honest and open exchange of ideas is crucial.

Open the door to communication-often times both young people and adults avoid genuine communication with each other.
Young people are best heard when adults step back and young people step up.
Adults are best heard when they are straight up and explain where they're coming from.
All people's ideas and opinions are valuable and must be heard.

Youth Service America (2009)