Youth-adult partnership is a conscious relationship that establishes and sustains intergenerational equity between young people and adults. Youth-adult partnerships often display a high degree of youth rights and autonomy, and is often synonymous with meaningful youth participation. Typically seen with adults acting in a mentor capacity, providing scaffolding to the youth. Unlike traditional mentoring, youth-adult partnerships are categorized by multiple adults and multiple youth[1] and there must also be a mutuality where adults and youth teach and learn from one another, working together in their community.[2]
Factors for Success
The success of these partnerships rely on a variety of factors. In addition to concrete outcomes, youth/adult partnerships require specific cultural and structural supports within organizations and communities in order to succeed.[3]
There needs to be mutual respect and cohesiveness within members of the partnership. [4]
Common Settings
These relationships usually occur within youth organizations, where they are typified by youth voice. Youth voice is commonly recognized as an essential element of effective youth-adult partnerships.
Schools
In democratic schools, they are typified by student voice. One of the expectations from these youth-adult partnerships is that the student-led groups can represent the student body to the administration and school boards. [2] This can be done in a variety of different ways, such as planning activities, cocreating curriculum, and assessing progress and current effectiveness of programs within the school. [2]
Communities
Youth-adult partnerships can empower youth and adults as they educate their peers and advocate for the promotion of health and active engagement in the community.[4]
Outcomes
Youth-adult partnerships allow young people to:
- Express their views and raise awareness for social issues publicly [2]
- Gain respect for adult allies[2]
- Find ways to express their creativity
- Work for a good cause
- Think more critically
- Be a valued asset to the project and the community[5]
- Raise issues that adults may be avoiding, or unaware of.[2]
The relationships formed by youth-adult partnerships combat ephebiphobia and adultism by elevating the role of youth voice. [6]
A broad number of parties benefit from said partnerships, including the organizations where the partnerships occur, and the adults and youth who are involved.[1] Actual benefits range from increased commitment, to higher feelings of self-efficacy,[7] as well as increased organizational effectiveness and civic engagement.[8] Youth-adult partnerships have been found to be particularly effective in addressing school improvement,[9][2] promoting Global Health Initiatives,[10] and integrating technology in the classroom.[11]
According to the State of Texas, youth-adult partnerships have allowed young people to assume the roles of advisors and consultants to youth organizations, political lobbyists, community organizers, grant (money) decision-makers, nonprofit board directors, and as direct youth service providers.[12] Additional practice has identified significant roles for youth-adult partnerships in rural civic engagement projects[13] and in creating effective outreach for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.[14]
See also
References
External links
- Youth/Adult Partnerships Factsheet University of Arizona website.
- Youth/Adult Partnerships Tip Sheet The Freechlid Project.
- SpunOut.ie National Youth Website, Ireland.