Why are Youth Adult Partnerships Important?
Reflection
Think of a young person at your school or home. In what ways have you invited them into decision-making or planning something? What was the outcome?
When youth feel seen, heard, and trusted by adults, their sense of belonging and purpose skyrockets.
| Benefits for Students | Benefits for Adults & Communities |
|---|---|
|
Increased sense of belonging, motivation, and resiliency |
Better decisions, that affect the school and border community, are made together through shared perspectives |
|
Stronger school attachment and engagement |
Improved school environment, built trust |
|
Development of leadership and communication skills |
More meaningful relationships between school site staff and students |
|
Enhanced social-emotional learning |
A culture of equity and mutual respect for everyone |
Zeldin, Shepherd, et al. “The Psychology and Practice of Youth-Adult Partnership: Bridging Generations for Youth Development and Community Change.” American Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 51, no. 3-4, 6 Oct. 2012, pp. 385–397, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-012-9558-y.