Youth Participation: From Myths to Effective Practice

By Jennifer L. O'Donoghue, Ben Kirshner, and Milbrey McLaughlin
The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 13, Number 1, 2006, Pages 3-6

Abstract:

The concept of youth participation (whether under the name of youth voice, decision making, empowerment, engagement, or participation) has become a hot topic. Yet, many people struggle to understand what youth participation means, what it looks like, and how it happens. This article defines youth participation, provides a review of what it looks like and where it takes place, and concludes by debunking four myths surrounding youth participation.

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This article can be found in the issue:

Youth Leadership

The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 13, Number 1, 2006

This issue examines how youth leadership can promote youth development, increase adults' competence and deepen their understanding of youth issues, and improve program effectiveness. It focuses on actively engaging youth as partners in decision making. As a counterpoint, "adult-driven" approaches are also examined, with the goal of helping programs find the right balance between adult-driven and youth-driven approaches to best meet program goals.

This issue also featured these articles:

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