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

Recognition 

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).

Current Initiatives

• Pathways to Wholeness - wellness practices for teens every Tuesday in August

• 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 

• A Teen Art, Poetry & Essay Exhibition with the theme: “Warwick: A Community of Belonging”

Looking Ahead

• Partner with teens to create service opportunities - pairing interested youth with community members or groups to meet their specific interests/needs.

• Collaborate with teens on identifying key behaviors indicating strong youth-adult partnerships. Ex. In what ways are adults asking for, listening to and incorporating the ideas of young people? 

• Co-design a teen life skills/leadership program to develop resilience skills of centering, connecting, and collaborating. 

• Work together with the Town of Warwick to create youth centered activities and spaces at Mountain Lake Park.

• Co-Create an online “teen center” to provide a platform for sharing ideas, resources and both peer/mentor support.

• Co-identify a list of discussion topics and/or programs of interest/concern to Warwick youth.

• Co-present with teens to community partners to raise awareness on issues impacting the well-being of  youth.

Receive Our Updates