Youth Engagement Action Team
Youth Engagement Team Mission
To create opportunities for young people and adults to talk candidly about youth issues and collaborate in developing activities that contribute to positive youth development, and to increase young people’s influence and personal stake in the community
We Recognize
We recognize that most of our public problems - from crime to racial tensions to substance abuse - directly involve and affect young people and yet there is little chance in most communities for young people, who are the experts on their own lives, to be involved in decisions that affect them or invited to take action and lead. Youth-adult partnerships are an effective way to engage both young people and adults in meaningful activities that contribute to positive youth development and increase young people’s influence and personal stake in the community.
Goals
The Youth Engagement Team seeks to bring current youth issues and concerns to the foreground so youth voices may be heard and met with positive guidance, mentorship, and supportive community partnerships.
We endeavor to express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power and expand possibilities with the youth in our community.
We invite youth voices to guide us in understanding the current cultural challenges they face and to help us identify the kinds of social-emotional skills they need to cope with stress and strengthen resilience.
We commit to supporting young people with practical tools and life skills that lead to healthy relationships and enable them to discover the joy of a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy lifestyle.
We encourage young people to use their individual and collective power and expertise to draw from their experiences, perspectives, ideas and skills in helping to shape a better future for themselves and those coming up behind them (future generations).
Initiatives
A Youth Engagement Questionnaire to more accurately assess the needs/concerns of Warwick Township teens and their parents/guardians/those who work closely with them
Pathways to Wholeness ~ wellness practices for teens
Hive Teen Center ~ A co-created plan for a future teen (ages 13-18) center that is a hub for information, resources and programs that offer practical tools, life skills, and leadership opportunities that support positive youth development