essay about youth organization

Empowering Youth for the Future: The Role of Youth Organizations in Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

by Anita Gagovska | Mar 7, 2023 | Nonprofits | 4 comments

In today’s rapidly changing world, empowering youth to become future leaders is crucial for the growth and development of our society. As the next generation of leaders, young people have the potential to make a positive impact on the world and drive social change. However, many young people face barriers to leadership, including lack of opportunities, mentorship, and resources. To address these challenges, it is essential to provide young people with the necessary support, education, and opportunities to develop their leadership skills and become effective leaders. In this article, we will explore practical ways to empower youth to become future leaders, including the role of youth organizations and European programmes in facilitating youth projects. By investing in the development of young people, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

Leadership, Empowerment, and Facilitation are three essential elements for the development and growth of young people. In today’s fast-paced world, young people are the future leaders and decision-makers. Therefore, it is crucial to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and make informed decisions.

Leadership is an important trait that every youth should possess. It is the ability to influence, motivate, and guide others towards achieving a common goal. Leadership skills can be developed through training, mentoring, and hands-on experience. As a leader, it is important to lead by example, set clear goals, and communicate effectively. It is also important to be empathetic, respectful, and open-minded. Effective leaders are those who can inspire and bring out the best in others.

Empowerment is another critical element in youth development. Empowerment means providing young people with the necessary tools, resources, and support to take charge of their lives and make decisions that affect their future positively. Empowerment also means giving young people a voice and involving them in decision-making processes. This can be achieved by providing training and education, creating safe spaces for dialogue and discussion, and providing opportunities for young people to take on leadership roles.

Facilitation is the third essential element in youth development. Facilitation means providing guidance and support to young people to help them achieve their goals. Facilitation involves creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and development. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can express their opinions and ideas freely. Facilitation also involves providing feedback, encouragement, and support.

In conclusion, Leadership, Empowerment, and Facilitation are essential elements in the development and growth of young people. These three elements help young people develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to become effective leaders and decision-makers. By investing in youth development, we are investing in the future of our society. Therefore, it is important for parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to prioritize youth development and provide the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for young people to thrive.

How to Empower Youth to Become Future Leaders?

Empowering youth to become future leaders is essential for the growth and development of our society. Here are some practical ways to empower youth to become future leaders:

• Provide Opportunities for Leadership Roles: Providing young people with opportunities to lead and take on responsibilities is one of the most effective ways to empower them. This can be done through volunteering, participating in clubs or organizations, or starting their own initiatives.
• Mentorship: Mentors can provide guidance, support, and advice to young people as they navigate their way towards leadership roles. Mentors can also serve as role models and provide opportunities for networking and skill-building.
• Education and Training: Providing education and training on leadership skills and practices can help young people develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective leaders. This can include training on communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

• Encourage Self-Expression: Encouraging young people to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs is crucial for their development as future leaders. Providing safe spaces for dialogue and discussion can help young people develop their confidence and communication skills.
• Foster a Sense of Community: Creating a sense of community among young people can help foster a sense of belonging and connection. This can be achieved through community service projects, team-building activities, and social events.
• Recognize Achievements: Recognizing and celebrating young people’s achievements can help boost their self-esteem and motivation. This can be done through awards, certificates, and public recognition.

In summary, empowering youth to become future leaders requires a multi-faceted approach that includes mentorship, education, training, community-building, and recognition of achievements. By investing in the development of young people, we are investing in the future of our society.

Youth Organizations in Support of Youth Empowerment

• Provide Opportunities for Leadership Roles: Youth organizations can provide young people with opportunities to take on leadership roles within the organization. This can help young people develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and build their confidence.
• Foster a Sense of Community: Youth organizations can create a sense of community and belonging among young people. This can be done through team-building activities, social events, and community service projects.
• Provide Education and Training: Youth organizations can provide education and training on leadership skills and practices. This can include workshops, seminars, and training programs on communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

• Offer Mentorship: Youth organizations can provide mentorship programs that match young people with experienced leaders who can provide guidance, support, and advice.
• Encourage Self-Expression: Youth organizations can provide safe spaces for young people to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs. This can help young people develop their communication skills and confidence.
• Advocacy and Activism: Youth organizations can encourage young people to become advocates and activists on issues that they care about. This can help young people develop their leadership skills and gain practical experience in creating social change.

In summary, youth organizations can provide a range of opportunities and support systems that can help young people develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective leaders. By investing in youth organizations, we can invest in the future of our society and create a generation of young leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

European Programmes that Support Youth Projects

• Erasmus+: This is the EU’s flagship programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Erasmus+ provides funding for youth projects, including youth exchanges, volunteering projects, and training courses.
• European Solidarity Corps: This programme provides opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across Europe. The programme supports a wide range of projects, including environmental conservation, social inclusion, and cultural heritage.
• European Youth Foundation: This is a fund that provides financial support for youth-led projects that promote human rights, democracy, and cultural diversity in Europe. The foundation supports projects that involve young people from different countries and encourage their active participation in society.
• Horizon Europe: This is the EU’s research and innovation programme, which supports research projects that address societal challenges, including those related to youth development.

In summary, there are several European programmes that can be used to facilitate youth projects, including Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, European Youth Foundation, and Horizon Europe. These programmes provide funding and support for a wide range of youth projects, including youth exchanges, volunteering projects, and research initiatives.

In conclusion, empowering youth to become future leaders is crucial for the growth and development of our society. By providing young people with the necessary support, education, and opportunities, we can help them develop their leadership skills and become effective leaders. Youth organizations play a critical role in this process by fostering a sense of community, providing education and training, and encouraging self-expression and advocacy. In addition, European programmes such as Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, and Horizon Europe offer funding and support for a wide range of youth projects, including youth exchanges, volunteering projects, and research initiatives. By investing in the development of young people, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all. Let us work together to empower young people to become the future leaders our world needs.

Hey there, Modern Nonprofits team!

I just finished reading your article about the importance of youth organizations in developing the next generation of leaders. 

I wholeheartedly agree with your statement that empowering youth is vital for the sustainability and growth of any community. In order to create a better tomorrow, it’s essential to invest in our youth today. Youth organizations offer a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal and professional growth, allowing young people to develop valuable skills, build meaningful connections, and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. By providing young people with opportunities to engage in leadership, volunteerism, and community service, youth organizations help develop the next generation of responsible and proactive citizens.

One aspect that particularly stood out to me in your article was the importance of collaboration between youth organizations and other community organizations. By working together, these organizations can share resources, knowledge, and expertise, creating a more cohesive and supportive community for young people. It’s heartening to see that so many youth organizations are committed to collaboration and partnership, as it shows a dedication to serving the greater good and creating a brighter future for all.

Overall, I want to thank you for highlighting the critical role that youth organizations play in shaping the future, and for reminding us all of the importance of investing in our youth. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more from Modern Nonprofits in the future!

I appreciate your kind and motivating feedback. It’s wonderful to learn that you value cooperation between youth organizations and other associations. Certainly, by working together, a community can become more encouraging and united, which is advantageous for all of its members, especially young people. It is encouraging to see that so many organizations are committed to working together to bring about meaningful and long-lasting change in our communities.  I appreciate you reading and responding to my article. I am passionate to highlighting the vital work done by nonprofits and other youth organizations, and I aim to continue inspiring.

Thank you for sharing this informative and insightful article on the importance of empowering youth for the future. The points made about leadership, empowerment, and facilitation are crucial elements for the development and growth of young people, and the practical ways to empower youth to become future leaders are helpful for parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders.

It is great to see the focus on providing opportunities for leadership roles, mentorship, education and training, self-expression, fostering a sense of community, and recognizing achievements. Youth organizations also play a vital role in empowering young people, and the suggestions for how they can help in this process are excellent. Overall, this article is a great resource for anyone interested in supporting youth development and investing in the future of our society.

All the best,

Fred, I appreciate your thoughtful comment. I’m happy to hear that you found the article thought-provoking and educational. The future of our society depends on empowering youth, therefore it’s critical that parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders collaborate to give youngsters the assistance they need to grow as leaders and realize their full potential. I concur that crucial strategies for empowering youngsters include giving them the chance to take on leadership roles, mentorship, education and training, and self-expression. Youth organizations can be instrumental in this process by giving young people a secure environment in which to develop.

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You're an adult, walking through the shopping mall, when you see a bunch of teenagers horsing around. You're amazed at their energy--or maybe, you're appalled by some of their antics. You wish (for the hundredth time - you have kids of your own) that you could channel that energy into something productive.

Or maybe you're a teenager, and a girl at school just committed suicide. She wasn't a good friend of yours, but still--you feel really bad. You wonder what you could have done, or if there were signs you just missed. You even look on the Internet for some information on teen suicide, but you need more than facts. You want to find a way to make sure that this doesn't happen again at your school. You know that some of your friends feel the same way--but what can you all do?

Either as a concerned young person or an interested adult, one option open to you is starting a youth organization. Organizations that are run by or for youth can offer a lot to your community. Think of all of the organizations you already know about--you've probably been involved in some yourself, at one time or another. There are groups centered around almost every topic you can think of, with a huge variety of goals. Here's a grab-bag of examples:

• Soccer leagues
• SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving)
• A student chapter of Amnesty International
• A class that volunteers in the community
• A teen advisory panel for a city-wide health organization

Youth organizations can be started by young people themselves or by interested adults. In this section, we'll try to look at the steps in developing a youth organization from the perspectives of both groups. We'll start with a look at what a youth group can be, and at the overall advantages of starting one. Then we'll talk briefly about who should start such a group, and the unique advantages of an adult organizing the group or of the young people doing it themselves. Next, we'll look at the right time for starting such a group, and then at how you should go about doing it. Finally, we'll wrap up with a section for adult mentors, with special tips on working with young people.

What form can a youth organization take?

A youth organization can be almost as broad--or as narrow--in scope as an organization for adults, or for the community as a whole. Youth organizations can be run through schools, in churches, in neighborhoods, or at local rec centers. They may operate on a local, national, or even international level. They can be organized and run by young people themselves, or they might be developed by adults such as coaches, ministers, or staff of the local YWCA. A local youth organization can also be one branch of a larger group; for example, a local coalition to decrease substance use might have a youth advisory board that offers suggestions as to what they think will work to stop young people from drinking.

In this section, we are going to concentrate primarily on youth organizations that are developed specifically to improve the community--for example, health organizations such as Students Against Drunk Driving--or groups that are formed to increase participation in civic life. However, many of the ideas that we discuss here can be easily translated to any type of student group, such as youth theater or sports teams.

One example of a successful youth organization is CityKids . CityKids is an organization with branches across the United States. Their mission is to engage and develop diverse young people to positively impact the world.

Their goals are:

• Having a safe space for youth
• Promoting open youth-to-youth communication
• Multicultural bridge building
• Enhancing leadership development among young people

The group does many different things to try and attain these goals. For example, they hold a weekly "Coalition" meeting where they bring together diverse groups of young people to explore cultural, racial, and sexual issues. The group is involved in many aspects of youth's lives, and offers opportunities for leadership development and guidance for both education and careers.

An off-shoot of CityKids is the CityKids Repertory Company, in which young people transform feelings and experiences about youth issues into music, dance, and drama. They perform their skits in their neighborhoods and at schools, community centers, and prisons. They have performed on stage, and some of their work has been developed into videos and shown on television. For example, the group developed Kayla's story, a video that documents a fictional teen pregnancy. The video is distributed across the nation.

CityKids is a successful example of young people choosing issues they find important, finding a safe space, and helping one another strengthen their community. The organization helps them gain leadership skills and a close-knit peer group, and it sends a positive message to youth throughout the community.

Why establish youth organizations?

Participation in a youth organization has many advantages for the youth themselves, as well as for the entire community. Of course, the most obvious advantage of membership is that youth organizations provide young people a forum to fully, effectively deal with an issue that is especially important to them, such as youth violence or education. However, there are a lot of other advantages to youth groups. We list some of these advantages below.

Advantages for young people:

• Being part of a group can help young people develop important personal and interpersonal skills. These include the ability to think critically and solve problems, and the assumption of personal and group responsibility.
• It can also help young people gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Contributing to a group can help them see themselves as being able to really help other people, and having something important to offer.
• It can help reduce the risk of becoming involved in unsafe activities, such as using drugs and alcohol. Being involved in community activities has been shown to be a protective factor--that is, it helps young people to make healthy choices. That's because by being involved in an organization, they can develop a "safe" identity, and are less likely to participate in unsafe activities (such as becoming sexually active before they are ready) to feel they belong.
• Young people involved in organizations can develop job skills, including organization, the ability to run meetings, and experience working with a wide variety of people. These skills that young people learn from being part of a group can help them be better prepared for any job they might choose.
• Often, organizations give youth a "safe space" that they wouldn't have otherwise--a place where they can express themselves through arts and activities, or just by being able to talk openly with peers and caring adults.
• Youth organizations offer opportunities for leadership that young people might not get otherwise.
• Young people involved in organizations can receive information on staying safe and healthy from their peers or adults they know and respect. They then pass on this information to other young people. In this way, youth organizations offer a credible way for young people to learn about staying healthy, because they can learn about it from friends they admire, rather than adults or other outsiders whose opinions they might not value.
• Young people can develop a strong support network of other young people who make healthy choices, and who can help convince them to stay healthy, too.

Advantages for the community:

• Youth organizations can help change public perception of young people from being "the problem" to an important part of making life better in the community.
• Involving young people in the community helps them see themselves as part of the whole; they really do become less likely to cause problems and more likely to want to look for solutions.
• By involving young people, the community is allowing them to carefully develop their leadership potential, so that as they grow and learn they can become thoughtful, prepared leaders of the society.
• Other community organizations can often partner with youth organizations, to mutual benefit. Young people can bring a tremendous amount of life to an organization; often, their energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and perspective are invaluable to members of larger community initiatives that choose to actively involve them.

Who should establish youth organizations?

As we said above, youth organizations can be started by two broad groups of people: young people themselves, or an adult who cares about them. Both options make sense in some circumstances, and both offer their own unique advantages. Let's look at some of the ideas behind both groups starting youth organizations.

Adults who begin or sponsor youth organizations can come from almost anywhere. Most commonly, they include teachers, coaches, ministers, parents, and staff of social service agencies. Sometimes, they don't have any direct tie to young people, but have experience or expertise they'd like to pass on. ("I was a mom at 16, and I'd like to help new teen parents survive all of the challenges.")

Wherever they come from, what adults who start youth organizations do (or should ) have in common is their commitment -- to youth, to helping people, and to the group's goals.

Being an insider (someone the local young people know and respect, such as a popular teacher) can make it much easier to start a youth organization. Insiders often find it easier to plan activities that are interesting to youth. They know the area, know the kids, and know what's likely to work. (They also may have a better idea of what students will probably just think is "lame.") Also, young people might be more attracted to programs started by insiders because they know and trust them. If the adult sponsor is from the same area or ethnic group, the young people might feel that they have a better chance of the adult understanding what they are going through, and the circumstances that they have to deal with on a daily basis. This is especially true when groups are involved in sensitive issues, such as drug abuse, violence, or teen sexuality.

Of course, people from outside the community can come to the community to work, and they sometimes bring great success. Often, these people do work that is connected to a national organization like the YMCA or the Girl Scouts. While they will have to overcome the challenges of becoming known and respected by young people in the community, these outsiders can bring a recognized name and successful programming to new communities. Another advantage of having an outsider start a youth group is that she can bring new energy, a new perspective, and additional resources to a community.

Regardless of whether the adult is an insider or an outsider, having an adult organize or sponsor the group can add credibility to the youth organization, helping young people gather both respect and resources. For example, most young people haven't ever written grant applications, while an adult sponsor may very well have done so. For this reason, most youth organizations might want to at least have an adult with whom the group is affiliated. It can open doors that are usually (unfortunately, and unfairly, but realistically) closed to young people working on their own.

Key Club is an international organization dedicated to community service that was founded through the Kiwanis Club in 1925. Every Key Club conducts an active program of service for school and the community. Projects are centered around a different theme every year.

The club's objectives are to develop leadership, to serve school and community, and to help young people prepare for useful citizenship. Each Key Club is sponsored and overseen by the local Kiwanis club, with Key Club members attending Kiwanis meetings and vice versa. Students involved in Key Club work to improve their community through an established international network, drawing on each other for support and ideas on community development.

Young people

Of course, young people are usually all too aware of the issues that affect them, whether those issues include violence, suicide, or anything else. They also know what's really happening much better than most adults hired to lead a student organization. They may work together and form a formal organization, such as SADD, or something much less formal to stay informed and get things done without a lot of resources.

Riot grrrl is an attempt to develop an "all girl" sub-culture. It's a feminist network that developed in the underground music communities of Olympia, Washington and Washington, DC. Originally formed by the members of the bands Brat Mobile and Bikini Kill, the organization now supports activities that are not only music related, but focus on racism, classism, sexism, and supporting young women in staying safe and healthy. Although the network is very informal, information is distributed and networks are set up through paper and electronic "zines," self-published independent texts devoted to various issues and hobbies. The zines often enclose notes requesting feedback and personal interaction with readers. Many zines cover sensitive topics, such as rape and child abuse, and young women can write the zines to seek support.

Riot grrrl is a good example of an informal network that addresses issues that are important to youth. Since all of the work is done by young people themselves, it serves as a great way to empower the young people who develop it and those who just surf by their web pages.

When is a good time to establish an organization?

Really, there's probably not a bad time, especially if young people are interested in starting a group. But some time periods and events lend themselves particularly well to mobilizing young people to improve their communities. These times include:

• When a dramatic, disturbing, or significant event occurs in the community, such as some of the recent teen murder-suicides that have occurred at high schools across the nation
• At the beginning of the school year, when young people are anxious to get to know each other, to belong, and to learn what's going on
• When new information becomes known. For example, a local group may survey young people and find that a large number of them report getting drunk on a regular basis. This information might be the stimulus to start a group to try to curb youth drinking.
• When current organizations are not meeting community needs
• When a group wants to create broad, significant community changes. This is a good example of a time when it makes sense to include young people in a larger group, such as starting a youth advisory board for a city-wide organization.
• To respond to threats to the community, such as increased violence
• When a significant issue specifically concerning youth needs to be confronted

How do you establish youth organizations?

Decide what type of youth organization you want to form.

If you are a young person yourself, you may already know what type of group you would like to form. But at the very least, you'll probably want to ask your friends and other young people how they feel about that issue. Ask very direct questions, such as:

• What problems are so important to people our age/to our community that you would join a group to change them?
• What is the biggest concern for young people today?
• What's the real cause of the problem ?
• What do you think should be done about the problem?
• Do you know of anything going on right now to solve the problem? (This question is a good way to learn about things you might not know are going on, that you could team up with to be more effective.)

You might also talk to people who are potential sponsors to see what their suggestions are, and how they feel about your ideas.

Adults, too, might have specific ideas (or grant money) to work on a particular issue in a particular way. However, if you're an adult, it's even more important to get feedback on what you are thinking about doing. Are young people interested in what you want to work on? Would they be willing to commit time and resources to it? Is it something they believe in?

Adults, like young people, will probably also want to get support from others in the community. They may be able to donate space or resources that you need. Also, if you're organizing a youth group for the first time, they might have some great tips as to what is most effective in working with young people in your community.

One option you will want to consider is whether or not you want the group to be affiliated with a national organization. For example, if you know a group of young people interested in human rights, should they start a local chapter of Amnesty International, or should they develop a small local organization that focuses on the treatment of migrant workers in your area? Many national and international organizations exist that can offer support and resources to a fledgling organization. However, your group may feel it wants more autonomy, or isn't interested in being part of a large, impersonal-seeming organization. The answer may be clear from the start for your group, but it's important to make sure the question is raised before you begin your work.

Decide where the organization should be based

Where the organization is based has a lot to do in determining who will join. Many of your meetings and other activities will be held there. You may get resources, such as money and supplies, depending on where you are located. And possibly most important, a lot of people who join the organization may join because they are already affiliated with the organization's home base -- they're students at the school, or members of the church, or so on. It's important to realize, too, that some young people may not join an organization because of where it's located. For example, a high school dropout may not want to come back to her old school for any reason.

Very commonly, youth organizations operate out of schools, churches and synagogues, social service agencies, or informally out of someone's home. Each of these options--as well as others you might come up with--will have advantages and disadvantages. You'll want to think this through before you decide where to set it up.

Maybe this isn't even a question for your group. If you want to convince young people who have dropped out of school to return to class or obtain their GEDs, a high school clearly isn't the place to find participants. However, for a coach who is interested in forming a chapter of SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), the local high school is absolutely the best place to do it. Not only is the group, by nature, a student organization, with many of its activities run in conjunction with other school activities (such as prom), the coach will have most credibility at her school, where she and the students already know each other.

However, the situation isn't always as clear-cut as those above. For example, your organization might have been given some seed money to work with young people that came with very loose guidelines. If you want to, you could base the group at the high school (where a lot of kids are), at your organization (you really don't have much room, but at least you know where everything is), or maybe you should partner with the local YMCA, where a lot of the kids hang out. What do you do?

When the proposed location isn't absolutely clear, then those people who are starting the organization might want to sit down and discuss what makes most sense for the group. You might start by brainstorming all of the possible places where you could host the group, and then list the advantages and disadvantages of each. Members of the group might discuss:

• Would this place be willing to host us?
• Would the young people we want to recruit feel comfortable going there?
• Would there be any financial costs to our group?
• Would this place be willing to help us out with resources?
• Is it a place that agrees with (or at least, isn't opposed to) what we are doing? (For example, a Catholic school might not be the ideal location for safe sex education that included a discussion of birth control.)
• Do members of our group have strong ties to this place?
• How difficult would it be for young people to get to this place?

Often, after looking at these questions (and others that members of your group might think of), answers to this problem become completely clear.

Recruit members (and, if necessary, adult assistants)

Of course, you can't have an organization--youth-based or otherwise--without members. And so your next step is to get the word out about what you are doing. How you will do this will depend on who you want to recruit. Do you want to recruit only students? Members of your parish? Young people from all over town? The process of recruiting members can be as simple as making an announcement in an assembly or after church or as complicated as running a campaign with radio public service announcements getting the word out across town.

With all the possibilities, however, it's important that you don't forget plain old word of mouth. Getting kids to talk up your group is the best way to ensure that you have the members you want and need. This is often especially true when dealing with "at-risk" youth, who may not even be at school or church when you make your announcement.

As we mentioned above, if your group has been started by young people, you might decide to involve adults as sponsors or facilitators. In that case, decide whom you would feel comfortable with as your sponsor, and exactly what you would want him to do for your group. It's probably best to decide on a short list of (four or five) people to ask, in case your first choice(s) don't have the time or interest to help your group out.

Before you approach someone, you should also have an understanding of exactly what you would want her to do for your organization. For example, would she need to show up at every meeting? Speak up for the organization at faculty meetings? Help you obtain resources, such as money, equipment, and a meeting place? If you haven't thought this out and discussed it with your potential sponsor, neither you nor the sponsor will be clear on her role. This can easily lead to frustration, anger, and missed opportunities for everyone involved.

Define your goals clearly with group members

Once you have your members together, it's time to sit down and make a plan . Members might brainstorm for ideas, but essentially, you will want to try to answer two questions:

• What do we want to do?
• How should we go about doing that?

The better organized you are, the more likely it is your group will succeed.

Find out what resources are available to your organization

Especially if your group is affiliated with a larger organization, such as a school, church, or national group, there are probably resources out there that could help you. Find out what they are, and how you can get them transferred to your organization.

In addition to groups you are affiliated with somehow, there might be other sources willing to support a youth organization. Grants or mini-grants might be available from the government, private sources, or local coalitions; other organizations with similar goals might be willing to help you out. This support can come in many different forms, from money to a meeting place to free advertising. Ask around; see what resources similar organizations, either in your town or similar places, have managed to get, and ask how they've gotten them. The United Way might be able to point you to some resources as well.

And beyond all of that, the simplest thing to do is think about what you need, and who is likely to be able to give that to you most easily. Need paint? Try asking the owner of the local hardware store. Need publicity? Call the local radio station, and ask what their policy is for producing and airing public service announcements (PSAs). And so on.

Obtain and use those resources

Once you've found out what is possible, go for it! And don't forget a thank you note to whoever helps you out.

It can be hard (and sometimes frightening!) to ask for money or help from other people or organizations. This can be especially true for young people, who might find the idea of going in and trying to speak with a bank president to be daunting. Remember, though, that you're not asking for help for yourself--you're asking them to support a cause you believe in. So square your shoulders and give it a try. The only sure thing is that if you don't ask, you won't get the help your organization needs.

Orient and train staff, adult assistants, and participants

This step may be less necessary in some situations than in others. If you're developing an informal rap group for teen parents, there probably isn't a whole lot of training involved. But in any group, it's important that you sit down at the very start and talk about what is expected from both staff (if there are any involved) and from participants. For example, even in our hypothetical rap group mentioned above, there will be some ground work to do: You might want facilitators to do some reading about teen parents (especially if they don't have much experience with them), or about learning to be an effective facilitator. At the first meeting, the facilitator might then take some time to show the parents around the facilities, lead an "ice-breaker " so the teens will feel more comfortable speaking openly, and help them develop "ground rules" that will be followed in future meetings.

Get to work!

Now that you've decided what you want to do, go to it! With the hard work of planning behind you (at least for the moment--there will always be changes on the way), it's time take a deep breath and go to it!

Celebrate your successes!

Even if something wasn't the huge success you hoped it would be, everyone should give themselves proper credit for what has been accomplished. Organizing a youth group of any kind is hard work. Be sure to celebrate all of your small successes along the way. Not only do you deserve it, but celebrating will also help keep energy high, so your group will be able to move on to bigger and better things.

Special section: Help for adults seeking success in building a youth organization

There's no question that being an adult mentor or facilitator for a youth organization can be hard work, especially if this is the first time you have done so. However, it can also be a richly rewarding experience. Some of the tips below might help you in your quest to run a fun, successful organization for youth without pulling out all of your hair in the process.

• Think of young people as resources, rather than as troublemakers or a difficult population that you need to help in spite of themselves. Having a positive attitude in which you see young people as having great potential rather than being "at-risk troublemakers" is the best way to be sure you will get the best they have to offer. Most times when working with young people, you get what you expect. If you make it clear to them that you think they are the greatest kids on earth, chances are they'll work very hard to live up to that view.
• Make sure that the young people are responsible for a large portion of the planning and decision-making. Even if you are running a grant program given by a federal agency with strict limitations, it's very important to pass as much authority as possible on to the youth themselves. This should help them believe in the organization--that it's really there for them, not just as a way for your organization to use them to get more money.
• Think about turning the organization into a "full-service organization" where young people can come for help and friendship--a place where they can find a safe and trusted ear in addition to the stated goals of your organization. All too often, young people feel they have nowhere to turn, and no one to speak with about troubles they have. Let the young people know quite explicitly that you're there for them, and that they can come to you with any problems that they have.
• Give young people the opportunity for real responsibilities and real work. If you do so (and make sure it's coupled with real support), chances are it will lead to real accomplishments. Also, try to give them the responsibility they are ready for. Often times, this means starting out small, and then as they become more adept and experienced, slowly making their responsibilities more challenging. That way, competence should grow along with confidence.
• Make sure that roles and rules are clearly defined. If all decisions will be with adults (although we don't recommend it), it's better to say so up front. If some decisions are out of your hands as well as theirs, let them know that, too. Young people usually know when you're not being straight with them--it's a great way to lose their respect in a hurry.
• Finally, remember that as a leader or a staff member of a youth organization you are both a role model and an example to the young people who know you. What you say and how you act--even when you are not working in your "official" capacity--will not only influence their opinion of you, it may also influence their decisions and actions in the future.

Youth organizations can offer terrific benefits to local young people and the community at large. They can have a tremendous impact on the lives of youth. Whether you are a young person yourself, or simply someone concerned about your community, we encourage you to explore the creation of a youth organization in your community today!

Online  Resources

Youth Tree USA

This website allows nonprofit organizations to list and explain their organizations free of charge, and also offers youth a place to develop their own website. Youth Tree USA's mission is:

• To provide the most comprehensive Internet Directory of programs, services, and resources promoting the healthy development of youth (K-college students) and families.
• To provide an affordable means of enhancing youth and family service providers' ability to use electronic communications to expand their efforts in local communities nationwide.
• To foster networking and information-sharing among youth and family service providers and facilitate opportunities for collaborative partnerships

Print Resources

The Coach's Playbook Against Drugs . US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention.

Leonard, M. (1998). Paper planes: Travelling the new grrrl geographies . In Tracey Skelton & Gill Valentine (eds.). Cool places: Geographies of youth cultures. London, England: Routledge, 101-120.

McLauglin, M., Irby, M., & Langman, J. (1994). Urban sanctuaries . San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Partners for Youth Leadership (1990). Youth involvement: Developing leaders and strengthening communities . Boulder, Colorado: US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tlingit-Haida builds youth identity, leadership (1997, April). Building partnerships for better communities . US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Native American Programs: Aspen Systems Corporation.

Wolff, T. & Foster, D. (1997). Principles of success in building community coalitions . In Gillian, K., & Wolff, T. (eds.). From the ground up. Amherst, MA: AHEC/Community Partners.(Available from Tom Wolff and Associates .)

Publications: The Role of Youth Organizations and Youth Movements for Social Change

As a part of its collaboration with the Born This Way Foundation , the Berkman Center is publishing on this website a series of papers that synthesize existing peer-reviewed research or equivalent scholarship and provide research-grounded insight to the variety of stakeholders working on issues related to youth empowerment and action towards creating a kinder, braver world.  This series, called the The Kinder & Braver World Project: Research Series (danah boyd, John Palfrey, and Dena Sacco, editors), is presented by the Born This Way Foundation & the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, and supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation .? ?  This set of papers involves topics related to the Role of Youth Organizations and Youth Movements for Social Change.

The Value of Youth Organizing by Jerusha Conner

Across the country, adolescents have become deeply involved in struggles for equity and social justice, as they work to promote a kinder, braver world. Although youth have long been leaders in social change efforts, today’s young people are increasingly supported in this work through youth organizing programs. This paper explains what youth organizing is, identifies four ways in which it benefits the young people involved, offers suggestions for mitigating any downsides of participation, and addresses barriers that youth organizing groups may face .

Youth and Social Movements: Key Lessons for Allies by Sasha Costanza-Chock

We have much to learn from young people who are already engaged in mobilizing their peers, families, and communities towards positive social transformation. This paper discusses challenges, and provides recommendations for educators and adult allies of youth movements.

Cultivating Young Women’s Leadership for a Kinder, Braver World by Anna Rorem and Dr. Monisha Bajaj

There is not much research exploring leadership development and civic participation among youth, and even less among young women. Policymakers and others seeking to better serve youth in pursuit of a “kinder, braver world” should take into account the research that does exist. This research indicates that youth who engage in service to their communities learn leadership skills through civic action and may be more likely to vote and be civically engaged as adults. Youth who demonstrate leadership skills can, and should, be considered current assets to their communities.

How Participatory Action Research Can Promote Social Change and Help Youth Development by Cara Berg Powers and Erin Allaman

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a process through which people investigate meaningful social topics, participate in research to understand the root causes of problems that directly impact them, and then take action to influence policies through the dissemination of their findings to policymakers and stakeholders. Like other types of youth organizing, PAR promotes youth’s involvement in their communities and the development of leadership skills. It emphasizes the development of young people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to be experts on issues of importance to them, and catalyze systemic change in collaboration with their peers and supportive adults.

Engaging Youth, Serving Community: Social Change Lessons from a 4-H Rural Youth Development Program by Donna J. Peterson, Barbara A. Baker, JoAnne Leatherman, Michael E. Newman, and Sally Miske

Social change targeted at empowering youth requires youth and adults to work together as equals. Youth-adult partnerships create a platform to amplify youth voices. To succeed, youth-adult partnerships must be built on open communication and equal voice.   Using a case study, this paper shares six broadly applicable lessons learned through the Engaging Youth, Serving Community (ESYC) program. Based on evaluation and understanding of the EYSC experience, it highlights examples of how youth-adult partnerships can promote social change and civic engagement.

Youth Organizations and Positive Development: Lessons Learned from a Century of Girl Scouting by Kamla Modi, Judy Schoenberg, and Kallen Tsikalas of the Girl Scout Research Institute © 2012 Girl Scouts of the USA

Since its inception in 2000, the Girl Scout Research Institute has employed a research-to-action approach so that insights from our work with girls and young women can directly inform Girl Scouts of the USA’s program and policy development, as well as impact the larger youth development field. In the last decade, GSRI’s research and evaluation work has touched numerous organizations in the public and private spheres, making a practical impact on the lives of youth and providing other organizations with evidence needed to make a case for their own work.

Out of the Box: Positive Development & Social Change Through the Arts by Ping Ho

From early childhood to adolescence, the arts can foster youth movements for social change through positive development. Students who experience high levels of arts enrichment show greater academic performance, enrollment in and graduation from high school and college, civic and community service, news consumption, and engagement in local politics. Moreover, participation in the arts—even as a spectator—predicts increases in civic engagement, tolerance and altruism, regardless of age, race, or education.

How to Engage Young People: Lessons from Lowell, MA by Sopheap Linda C. Sou, Darcie DeAngelo, Masada Jones, and Monica Veth

A youth organization’s success depends on young people’s participation within the local community. Many of the issues facing young people today reflect a poor engagement with community politics, cultural identity formation, and risk-taking behaviors based on that identity formation.   The Teen Block was founded in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1990 with the goal of addressing these issues. Since that time, it has served over 8,000 young people, integrating social, behavioral, mental, and physical health.

Young people hold the key to creating a better future

Image:  Fateme Alaie/Unsplash

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Stay up to date:, youth perspectives.

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• Young people are the most affected by the crises facing our world.
• They are also the ones with the most innovative ideas and energy to build a better society for tomorrow.
• Read the report "Davos Labs: Youth Recovery Plan" here .

Have you read?

Youth recovery plan.

Young people today are coming to age in a world beset by crises. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic devastated lives and livelihoods around the world, the socio-economic systems of the past had put the liveability of the planet at risk and eroded the pathway to healthy, happy, fulfilled lives for too many.

The same prosperity that enabled global progress and democracy after the Second World War is now creating the inequality, social discord and climate change we see today — along with a widening generational wealth gap and youth debt burden, too. For Millennials, the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession resulted in significant unemployment, huge student debt and a lack of meaningful jobs. Now, for Generation Z, COVID-19 has caused school shutdowns, worsening unemployment, and mass protests.

Young people are right to be deeply concerned and angry, seeing these challenges as a betrayal of their future.

But we can’t let these converging crises stifle us. We must remain optimistic – and we must act.

The next generation are the most important and most affected stakeholders when talking about our global future – and we owe them more than this. The year 2021 is the time to start thinking and acting long-term to make intergenerational parity the norm and to design a society, economy and international community that cares for all people.

Young people are also the best placed to lead this transformation. In the past 10 years of working with the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, a network of people between the ages of 20 and 30 working to address problems in more than 450 cities around the world, I’ve seen first-hand that they are the ones with the most innovative ideas and energy to build a better society for tomorrow.

Over the past year, Global Shapers organized dialogues on the most pressing issues facing society, government and business in 146 cities, reaching an audience of more than 2 million. The result of this global, multistakeholder effort, “ Davos Labs: Youth Recovery Plan ,” presents both a stark reminder of our urgent need to act and compelling insights for creating a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive world.

One of the unifying themes of the discussions was the lack of trust young people have for existing political, economic and social systems. They are fed up with ongoing concerns of corruption and stale political leadership, as well as the constant threat to physical safety caused by surveillance and militarized policing against activists and people of colour. In fact, more young people hold faith in governance by system of artificial intelligence than by a fellow human being.

Facing a fragile labour market and almost bankrupt social security system, almost half of those surveyed said they felt they had inadequate skills for the current and future workforce, and almost a quarter said they would risk falling into debt if faced with an unexpected medical expense. The fact that half of the global population remains without internet access presents additional hurdles. Waves of lockdowns and the stresses of finding work or returning to workplaces have exacerbated the existential and often silent mental health crisis.

So, what would Millennials and Generation Z do differently?

Most immediately, they are calling for the international community to safeguard vaccine equity to respond to COVID-19 and prevent future health crises.

Young people are rallying behind a global wealth tax to help finance more resilient safety nets and to manage the alarming surge in wealth inequality. They are calling to direct greater investments to programmes that help young progressive voices join government and become policymakers.

I am inspired by the countless examples of young people pursuing collective action by bringing together diverse voices to care for their communities.

To limit global warming, young people are demanding a halt to coal, oil and gas exploration, development, and financing, as well as asking firms to replace any corporate board directors who are unwilling to transition to cleaner energy sources.

They are championing an open internet and a $2 trillion digital access plan to bring the world online and prevent internet shutdowns, and they are presenting new ways to minimize the spread of misinformation and combat dangerous extremist views. At the same time, they’re speaking up about mental health and calling for investment to prevent and tackle the stigma associated with it.

The Global Shapers Community is a network of young people under the age of 30 who are working together to drive dialogue, action and change to address local, regional and global challenges.

The community spans more than 8,000 young people in 165 countries and territories.

Teams of Shapers form hubs in cities where they self-organize to create projects that address the needs of their community. The focus of the projects are wide-ranging, from responding to disasters and combating poverty, to fighting climate change and building inclusive communities.

Examples of projects include Water for Life, a effort by the Cartagena Hub that provides families with water filters that remove biological toxins from the water supply and combat preventable diseases in the region, and Creativity Lab from the Yerevan Hub, which features activities for children ages 7 to 9 to boost creative thinking.

Each Shaper also commits personally and professionally to take action to preserve our planet.

Join or support a hub near you .

Transparency, accountability, trust and a focus on stakeholder capitalism will be key to meeting this generation’s ambitions and expectations. We must also entrust in them the power to take the lead to create meaningful change.

I am inspired by the countless examples of young people pursuing collective action by bringing together diverse voices to care for their communities. From providing humanitarian assistance to refugees to helping those most affected by the pandemic to driving local climate action, their examples provide the blueprints we need to build the more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society and economy we need in the post-COVID-19 world.

We are living together in a global village, and it’s only by interactive dialogue, understanding each another and having respect for one another that we can create the necessary climate for a peaceful and sustainable world.

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Organizing Strategy and Practice

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August 19, 2021

Introduction: youth organizing in the u.s..

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Young people have long pushed us to realize the (as of yet) unfulfilled promise of pluralistic, multi-racial democracy. Through a unique combination of irreverence and idealism, many young people see democracy for what it could be rather than what it is, helping to move the needle on countless social and economic issues. This issue — guest edited by Scott Warren of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University and Ben Kirshner of the Research Hub for Youth Organizing at the University of Colorado — is part one of a two-part series exploring the challenges and opportunities in front of youth organizers in the United States and abroad today. The second issue in the series, which will be published in the winter of 2021, focuses on international youth activism, including lessons from organizers in Kenya, Brazil, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and India. 

In this issue, we have brought together a diverse group of youth organizers from across the United States to tackle the critical questions facing the field. What innovations are young organizers bringing to the movement, and what strategies are they pursuing to build political power? What kinds of organizational structures have youth organizers built, how are they forging a relationship between movement and organization-building work, and how are they navigating the tension between revolution and reform? Where are they collaborating across generations, and where are tensions emerging? Youth and adult organizers alike must examine these questions if we want to build organizations with enough power to address the cascading crises facing our world today. 

The media often decry the cynicism and disaffection of today’s youth. Reality paints a different picture. The Pew Research Center finds that Millennials and Gen Z’ers are more pro-government than their predecessors and more likely to see racial and ethnic diversity as a good thing. Young people are also taking action, with an 11-point increase in voter turnout among 18-to-29 year olds this past election, as well as rising levels of civic engagement and activism. Like all organizers, young people face their share of obstacles. As you’ll read in this issue, youth organizers with Californians for Justice ,  Providence Student Union , and the Labor Network for Sustainability have struggled to get adults to take them seriously and include them in decision-making processes. Young people organizing with Forward Montana often feel like lone progressive fish swimming upstream in a conservative state, and New Era Colorado has struggled to build an approach that is expansive and inclusive enough to reach a broad base of youth. In Miami, Power U wrestled with the difficulty of building long-term organizational power, ultimately adopting a more rigorous organizer training program and higher expectations for youth members in order to claim society-changing power. 

Too often, adults assume that young people cannot effect change because they lack the financial resources, life experiences, and political capital that often comes with age. The organizations profiled in this issue prove otherwise. At the same time, many contributors emphasize the importance of organizing across generation, neighborhood, and racial and socioeconomic lines. Student organizers in Oakland and Miami rely on intergenerational partnerships to guide, empower, and legitimize their work; similarly, BYP100 creates opportunities for youth organizers to remain involved after they age out of the organization so that they can pass down their skills and experiences to a new generation of leaders. The Philadelphia Student Union used relational organizing to bring together distinct communities around the common goal of fixing school underfunding. Local chapters of the Youth Democratic Socialist of America align with campus unions to fight for both workers and students to have a voice on campus. And United We Dream is sharing skills and lessons learned with organizations around the world, building international solidarity.  

In all of these stories, young people’s creativity, moral courage, and commitment enabled them to turn the resources they do have into the power for change. Veteran community organizer and Harvard professor Marshall Ganz argues that it is no accident that young people have always been at the forefront of organizing for social change because, he writes, it is young people who have the “ critical eye and hopeful heart” needed to agitate for change. Throughout these essays, we witness youth leaders maintaining a hopeful heart despite the enormity of the challenges they face. And we see them grappling with the practical challenges of organizing, learning to build authentic relationships with each other and their constituencies, create community around their leaders, and negotiate for power with people in positions of authority. That’s what it takes to build power.

Democracy cannot work without organizers. They are the ones who equip people to articulate a bold vision for the world they want, create community around that vision, and turn that vision into reality through the hard work of collective action. These essays help show us how it works.

Read the issue. 

About Hahrie Han

Hahrie Han is the Inaugural Director of the SNF Agora Institute , the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Political Science, and Faculty Director of the P3 Research Lab at Johns Hopkins University. She specializes in the study of organizing, movements, civic engagement, and democracy. Her newest book will be published by the University of Chicago Press in July 2021, entitled Prisms of the People: Power and Organizing in 21st Century America . She has previously published three books: How Organizations Develop Activists: Civic Associations and Leadership in the 21st Century ; Groundbreakers: How Obama's 2.2 Million Volunteers Transformed Campaigning in America ; and, Moved to Action: Motivation, Participation, and Inequality in American Politics . Her award-winning work has been published in the American Political Science Review, American Sociological Review, American Journal of Sociology, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and numerous other outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and elsewhere. She is currently working on a fifth book, to be published with Knopf (an imprint of Penguin Random House), about faith and race in America, with a particular focus on evangelical megachurches.

About Ester Fang

Ester Fang is the Special Projects Manager for SNF Agora Institute. Prior to joining SNF Agora, she earned her master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, concentrating in the Middle East and international economics. There she served as co-president of the Student Diversity Coalition and also as the inaugural podcast editor on the editorial board for The SAIS Review of International Affairs. She was a Princeton in Asia Fellow posted in Cambodia and has international experience in the Middle East and Europe. She earned her bachelor’s in political science and Arabic studies from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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Essays About Youth: Top 5 Essay Examples Plus 10 Prompts

Discover our guide with creative writing prompts and examples for essays about youth to help you get started on your next great essay!

Youth is that cusp between childhood and adulthood — a period filled with zest, adventure, and impulsiveness. Our future depends on the youth of today. As such, we are well-advised to equip ourselves with sufficient skills and knowledge to resolve future problems effectively. We must also train them to develop a moral compass, incredible determination, and deep compassion for others to serve well as future leaders.

5 Essay Examples

1. youth in revolt: five powerful movements fueled by young activist by erin blakemore, 2. what you can learn from a young ceo by elaine pofeldt, 3. advice to the youth by mark twain , 4. us youth are in a mental health crisis—we must invest in their care by mitchell j. prinstein, 5. young people are leaving their jobs in record numbers—and not going back by raisa bruner, 1. effects of social media on youth self-esteem, 2. youth’s learning crisis, 3. addressing youth obesity, 4. encouraging stem careers for youth, 5. engaging youth in community building, 6. why youth engage in cybercrime, 7. love for today’s youth, 8. national youth day, 9. substance abuse prevention for youth , 10. benefits of sex education to youth.

“Youth who participated in the civil rights movement embraced what one-time SNCC chairman Representative John Lewis called “good trouble”—fearless agitation designed to provoke, challenge, and move progress forward.”

Youth have always driven impactful social and political movements in whatever era and whichever part of the globe they are. This essay recounts some of history’s most powerful and meaningful protests mobilized by youth. Check out these essays about life lessons .

“Whether we needed to select a blogging platform or figure out how to keep costs down, we invariably found that younger CEOs were great sources of ideas.”

Gone are the days when one would purely seek older people for wisdom in business. With the competition in the digital age, youth are proving to bring in a wealth of ideas that can effectively support business strategies.

“Build your character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon these precepts, and by and by, when you have got it built, you will be surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody else’s. ”

The American writer shows his humor and sarcasm by teaching youth the art of lying and handling firearms carelessly. Ultimately, he tells those who would succeed that they would be no different than the rest of society. 

“We have an opportunity to make a serious commitment to youth mental health, just as we did 70 years ago to help adults. This is a chance for parents, teachers, and youth to stop whispering about their mental health needs and begin shouting for our country to invest in its future and end our children’s suffering.”

As youth suicides have increased over the years, data shows that it is now the second leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds. The situation demands urgent action and a rethink of the overall mental health system.

“For some, it’s burnout. For others, the timing was ripe to refocus on side projects as the stresses of the pandemic started to wane. And for many, especially in a service sector dominated by “zillennials”… poor treatment and low wages became unsustainable.”

The pandemic burnout has driven the Great Resignation among youth, leaving over 10 million jobs in the US unoccupied. This triggers a sea change in the societal landscape, where young workers pursue their self-worth and can afford to do so.

10 Thought-Provoking Prompts On Essays About Youth

While we all tend to compare our qualities and achievements to those of others, social media has made this habit worse. To youth, the biggest market of social media platforms, this has resulted in lower self-esteem, especially for girls . In your essay, gather present research that studies the links between social media use and low confidence levels. Then, recommend ways for young readers to spend more time in the real world and rebuild their self-esteem.

In recent years, it has been recognized that the world is facing a learning crisis that even the wealthier G20 countries are not exempt from . But as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted face-to-face school interactions for prolonged periods, what does the future of education and skills-building look like for our youth? Answer this with the support of research studies and data, and surveys from reputed organizations and agencies. Finally, enumerate the best ways to invest in our youth’s education.

Many cases of obesity among youth are due to the lack of exercise. For this topic prompt, lay down the negative effects of obesity, such as the increased likelihood of diabetes, hypertension, lack of self-esteem, and depression. Then, with research on wellness experts’ advice, encourage readers to change their lifestyle one step at a time to address or prevent obesity. For example, walking for 10 minutes to take a break from work could be a powerful start in changing a routine. 

No industry gains as much from youth’s ingenuity as the innovation industry. First, elaborate on the importance of developing youth’s scientific and technical skills. Then, look at how schools incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math into the curriculum, starting with your school. To conclude your essay, look at how intensive your government’s programs are in unlocking the inner scientists of today’s youth. 

Youth have the vigor and passion for changing the world. Because of this, they are one of the best groups to tap into for building a better community. To start this essay, look at the ratio of young volunteers to the total number of volunteers in your community. You can check this ratio in other communities and see how active your youth are in volunteer community work compared to others. Then, enumerate interesting practices cities can adopt to attract youth to participate in their programs. 

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency has reported a 107% annual increase in police reports of young students engaging in cyberattacks in 2020. Dig deeper into this report and find out the main motivations why young offenders would join the dark side in cyberspace. Is it for the millions of bucks or the sense of validation in the hacking community? Then identify some best practices law enforcement authorities and schools are implementing to thwart cybercrime among youth.

Young love has always been defined by its wild passions and adventures. Does this hold today in this digital age? How have relationships evolved in the age of social media? Mull over these questions and look at other modern trends in young love. For example, many claims that internet relationships, where couples meet and interact purely online, constitute true love. 

Celebrated every August 12, International Youth Day (IYD) aims to raise awareness of youth’s pressing challenges. Your essay can revolve around the focus of the last or upcoming celebration theme. Then, reflect on the issue’s relevance and what actions you think society can take to ease the problem. For example, the 2022 IYD is themed “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.” This expounds on fostering solidarity across generations to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevention is always better than cure. In this essay, search for data on youths reportedly battling drug abuse. Highlight an upward trend, if any. Then, highlight the risk factors that lead youth to drug or alcohol abuse and the consequences on health and overall well-being. You may also pay attention to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s 16 key principles for determining the most suitable prevention programs. 

A research study has found that aside from preventing early pregnancy and the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, comprehensive sex education helps youth feel safe and achieve success in the long term. Examine these benefits and cite the negative effects of a lack of sex education during youth. Finally, it underscores schools’ critical roles in integrating sex education and protecting students. 

If you need further guidance, check out our essay writing tips . Finally, don’t forget to proofread your essay using the best grammar checkers .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Youth Organization

Vision and goals: The development and implementation youth programs and policies should be on the basis of the principles of equity (recognizing the rights and all related responsibilities of the youths to opportunity equality and equal in resources and services distribution), participation (recognition of the fact that youths participate in a great way in the society and therefore they should be involved in decision making processes that affect their lives), and access (access to appropriate and adequate services and programmes by all youths regardless of , geographic location, gender, cultural, social or economical circumstances).

Purpose: to provide a comprehensive guideline to ensure that the youth organization programs are creative, profitable towards youth development and enjoyable while providing necessary skills for a youth individual advancement.

This organizations commitment is to prevent and alleviate youth suffering and it is a task with which the youths can easily identify themselves with so easily. In their actions, youths could be able to make significant contributions in meeting their needs within our local community and nationally. This organizations importance has been recognized by the local government and by the ministry of youth affairs. This policy will help the members of this organization to plan for their development as youths, to use idealism and motivation, skill and experience of the young people for the benefit of the organization.

This policy gives a description of various parties involved in the organization in making sure that this very important group of youths is supported and recognized

Each and every party to the organization has a role to play:

“¢ The youths themselves

“¢ The youth leaders and youth representatives.

“¢ National Societies in providing guidance.

“¢ Local government

“¢ Ministry of youth affairs

The stipulations “˜youth’ and “˜young people’ in this document will cover the extensive age range of 11 to 25 years of age. This comprises of, adolescents of age (11 to 15 approximately) and the young adults of age (16 to 25 approximately). As a tradition younger adolescents and young adults are the beneficiaries of this form of an organization. Therefore they have an opportunity of serving the organization as volunteers (Black, et al. 2003).

The youth organization

This youth organization aims at involving youths in it and in its activities as management partners and as workers and at the same time as beneficiaries. The organization helps the youths to implement the fundamental principles of the organization by:

• Service to the community
• Youth income generating activities
• Youth related programmes in the society
• Youth employment
• National and international friendship and understanding
• Protection of youth interests and the environment
• Informing the youths and other parties of the role of responsibilities of the organization.

Work carried out in each of the aforementioned areas depends on significant issues for youths in their immediate localities and the work being carried out by the organization as a whole.

Policy statement

This policy binds members and any other party willing to partner with the organization.

Youths have a key responsibility to play in the provision of the organizations

Youths have been involved over time as volunteers in the organization. Many a time’s youths have worked very hard in the organizations development activities. The youths are in the most appropriate position to recognize the needs of youths and young people in the society. Youths get to initiate and carry out programmes while getting ways and means of reaching on other youths and young people in need of development ideas. It is the youths that add credibility to the work of the organization with many other groups.

The target group for memberships is the youths and the young in the society.

For the organization to succeed in its programmes, it need to partner and work together with the young people. Many of programmes in the contemporary world have youths as their main “clients” because they are the most threatened group by underdevelopment, war and disaster.

The leadership and the management of the organization must be by the youth.

When youths are involved fully in leadership and in decision making, both in the organization and in their own affairs, they tend to bring out not only their idealism and creativity but also their experiences that adds sup to the maturity of the rest of the members.

It is the youths of today who will lead and manage the organization of tomorrow.

In many societies of the contemporary world, present leaders were at one point in time youth leaders or youth members of a gone generation. When the youths work side by side with other experienced parties of the organization in various programmes, actions and in management of the organization, they speedily obtain the skills which will make it possible for them to lead the organizations of the future.

Youthful people need to be supported.

Youths sometimes can be marginalized in a society for the reason of their position socially. If their full potential is to be realized within and out of the organization, they need to be supported especially in a way of youth development programmes and structures to achieve this must be put in place.

In acceptance of this policy, all the parties involved have a number of responsibilities to perform.

The youth members should:

• Promote the message of the organization and take part in organizations activities such as reaching out to their peers and to the community at large.
• Recruit new members to the organization.
• Inform the organization of youth needs, interests and their abilities.
• Make use of their connections such as family contacts, and their peers to identify areas where the organizations services are needed.
• They should be ready to take on responsibility with the organization at any time.

Mind that anyone can use our samples, which may result in plagiarism. Want to maintain academic integrity? Order a tailored paper from our experts.

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Why are youth development organizations important.

Michelle Neff <[email protected]> , Michigan State University Extension - May 24, 2021

Parents may ask, “Should I get my child involved in a youth development organization?” The answer is yes!

Michigan has many different youth development organizations, such as YMCA , Big Brothers Big Sisters , Boy Scouts , Girls Scouts , 4-H , sports organizations and many others. Each organization has different missions or models that they use to provide programs. Ultimately, they all provide opportunities for youth to learn skills. Some of these might be specific skills like dancing techniques or how to play soccer, but other organizations are providing opportunities for youth to develop general life skills, such as responsibility, decision making, caring for others or leadership.

It is important as a parent to look for organizations that have a positive youth development focus. What does positive youth development mean? Youth.gov , an interagency working group on youth programs, defines positive youth development as follows:

“Positive youth development is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.”

Positive youth development is an intentional program that engages youth with opportunities and positive relationships that will help them grow into successful adults. Parents want positive outcomes for their children and the more ways we can get youth involved the better.

Michigan State University Extension recommends that as a parent, you do research and find a youth development program that works for your youth and your family. Ask questions about youth safety policies and parental involvement. Talk to your family networks to see what programs they recommend and what their kids are getting out of attending these programs. The more people you know involved in an organization, the more likely you are to feel connected and welcomed, resulting in a longer commitment to the organization, a better experience, and longer lasting positive outcomes for your youth.

Research from the Search Institute shows that developmental assets are important to youth success. There are 40 developmental assets that the Search Institute identified as positive assets that can help youth be successful in life. Some of the 40 assets include positive adult role models, positive peer support, creative activities, self-esteem and honesty. Positive youth development organizations can help youth develop assets by providing emotional support, positive experiences, social skills and opportunities to build relationships.

Take some time as a family and think about the youth development organizations in your area and how you might be able to get involved. Many of them may also be looking for volunteers to help in an adult capacity as well. Involvement provides numerous benefits that will serve adults and youth for years to come.

If you are interested in in getting involved with the Michigan 4-H Youth Program , please contact your local MSU Extension office for details on how to enroll.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters . To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Youth Activism and Community Change

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Young people bring many assets to community-building work, which too often are not valued or leveraged. Communities should have varied avenues for a wide diversity of young people’s voices to be heard and for youth to contribute to a thriving community. Young people pursue and create change when they participate in school civics projects that involve addressing local problems, when they work with others in their neighborhood, when they work as part of organizations that enhance youth voices in communities, and in myriad other ways.

Activism, community organizing, and participation in social movements are powerful forms of civic engagement. Throughout American history, these avenues for change have often been led and fueled by young people. Youth activism has an extraordinary potential to transform communities, and it carries important benefits to those who participate—especially for low-income youth, youth of color, and other young people who have been historically marginalized from civic life.

Community-based organizations often drive this work, along with young leaders themselves, but sustainable youth engagement can come when communities create more support for youth voices to ensure that community-decision-making is informed by a wide range of youth—especially those directly impacted by community change.

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In recent years, young people have increasingly engaged in activism, whether participating in protests or actively supporting candidates for public office. Our 2018 youth survey found that the rates of various types of youth activism went up between 2016 and 2018, and that Democrats are more likely to participate.

Read more about:

• How youth activism led to youth voting in 2018
• The connection between "online" and "offline" activism in 2018
• Young people's interest in activism and engagement after the 2016 election

Young people who engage in activism and service experience personal growth, expand their networks, often receive mentoring, and can enjoy opportunities to expand their impact by participating in broader political and community leadership. Activism and other forms of civic participation can also be a pathway to redressing inequity and advancing economic mobility. There are clear and compelling links between core civic participation and leadership skills and competencies and skills that are valued in the workplace. Young people who engage in this type of work must be able to find opportunities to move up within and outside of the organizing sector.

These connections are especially important for young people from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities, who may have been denied these developmental opportunities but who can find in activism and community work a chance to acquire valuable skills and networks.

• How youth work through organizations can lead to empowerment
• Building a sense of youth agency beyond elections
• How organizing contributes to leadership development and voter engagement
• Our evaluation of YouthBuild's success in creating leaders

The civics classroom—and civic learning education more broadly—can be an important way that young people not just learn how to effect change in their communities and on the issues they care about, but actually do it. Approaches like service learning and action civics that center young people's voices and concerns, have them work on issues they care about, and provide opportunities for reflection as part of broader learning and development, are especially promising. Much of our research on civic education focuses on these connections between learning and action, highlighting best practices for this type of civic learning and its potential to serve as the foundation for youth becoming civic actors and agents of change.

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Why Is Youth Empowerment Important?

At the core of youth empowerment is the belief that young people are capable of incredible things. When young people have exposure to inspiring ideas and opportunities and the tools to build their confidence – they can take on anything and everything.

An empowered young person recognizes their capabilities, self-determination and worth. They feel comfortable trying new things. They have the confidence to take risks and are aware that failure is a step toward progress, not a sign to give up. They don’t use the opinions of others as their guideposts in life. They stand up for their values. And they know they have built a foundation of self-empowerment to rely on in times of struggle or when they are feeling lost and need to recalibrate.

Youth empowerment is incredibly important – it gives kids and teens the courage to believe in themselves, to not be swayed by the opinions of others, and to go after their dreams.

While some kids and teens are born with an innate sense of “what if” and the courage to act on it, most look to the world around them to gain the ideas, excitement and skills to explore their potential and test the waters of their capabilities. Encouragement and opportunities go a long way in helping a kid or teen come out of their shell and take on new experiences, and a caring mentor – parent, caregiver, teacher or youth development provider – can be a powerful ally in youth empowerment.

Here are a few ways you can help empower a young person in your life:

Help kids and teens explore their interests and potential. Getting curious is the first step to feeling empowered. Read books and watch movies together about a variety of pursuits and careers and see where your kid’s interests are. Ask questions like “Can you see yourself doing something like this?” When they take on a hobby, explore different ways they can build on this interest and deepen confidence in their abilities.

Give them the space and trust to practice autonomy. Kids and teens are natural contributors, but often don’t feel adults expect them to do things well or participate at all. Offer safe, supportive opportunities for your kid to be autonomous and make clear your expectations for their contributions – whether that’s a toddler learning to take their plate to the dishwasher or empowering a teenager to decorate their own space.

Speak with honesty. Knowledge is power, and when we are open, direct and honest with young people, this not only helps expand their understanding of the world around them, but it builds their own self-awareness. Equipped with information to be successful, they are more likely to see the big picture and make smarter decisions, while not sweating the small stuff.

Trust their ability as leaders. From working on school projects to managing a household chore to leading community service events, in youth-led efforts, let young people own the trajectory of the assignment, from planning to execution. You can always be a safety net for when they make mistakes or need to be redirected but give them the space to try it their way first. Afterwards, ask for their feedback on what went right and what could be improved.

When youth are empowered, they feel confident and capable. They become active contributors and collaborators, excited to explore their impact on the world around them.

Boys & Girls Clubs’ caring mentors and life-enhancing programs empower millions of young people each year. Learn how to get involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

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Essay on Youth for Students and Children

500+ words essay on youth.

Youth is a worthwhile phase of one’s life. The age where the age group is no longer of a child but yet to turn out to be a grown-up is the youth age. It is an age recognized by traits of heroism, toughness, muscle, stimulation, curiosity, judgmental attitude and even much more. At this stage, even though driven by fantasy or freedom and the power to choose his or her response, all must be cautiously exercised. It is a golden phase to accomplish the dual goals of intelligence and character.

A Period of Stress & Strain, Storm & Strife

Youth, in the present era, is a powerful asset of the nation possessing the abundant energy and the zeal considered necessary for the overall advancement of the same. Youth is a critical age of development, a period of uncertainty when everything is in ferment.

As a Youth is neither a child nor an adult, the personality possesses a mixture of both stages. He can be selfish at some times or turn out to be selfless the very next day. He may also turn out to be rebellious one day.

Youth develops a revolting personality and thus we can see conflicts in opinions between the family. It is also a major cause of worsening of family relations. Youth, being argumentative in nature, develop an attitude of apt rationale and judgment.

Thus, it denies accepting as true in anything without an appropriate cause following the same. It is not that there is no lack of moral awakening or his total refusal to adhere to ethical and moral standards. It is merely that he wants his every question to be answered and having his quest fulfilled, he accepts the same.

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How to channelize Youth Power in the right direction?

Youth is full of strength and intellectual capability, which if properly utilized could assist in turning the invisible into visible, the hardships to triumph and the hard work to success thus leading to the overall growth of an individual and the nation at large.

Following measures must be adapted to turn the youth into prolific individuals:

• Understanding child psychology by the parents at this stage.
• Proper guidance by the teachers
• Practical representation of best ideals and values to foster moral education in the schools. Sex education is a must for better emotional development.
• Minimizing the habit of excessive control and strict discipline so as to promote the expression of emotions, thus leading to suitable mental development.
• The organization of extra-curricular activities to channelize the imagination in youth towards creative activities.
• Preparing the youth for the cause of society by entrusting the responsibility so as to develop a feeling of responsibility in them.
• A right and rationale attitude towards democracy should be developed in the surroundings. This would lead to develop the philosophy of life.

  Conclusion

Youth is the golden period to cherish a big dream full of passion and energy. Although, the period is also full of adventures yet they have to be looked for with the eyes open. It is the time when we can provide shape to our ideas for the economic development of society. By encouraging to take an active part in the dramas, projects, sports and others are pretty good ways to control excessive fantasy. Also, it is the time to move towards the destination which can be made possible through vocational awareness and critical study of individual differences.

Mixed with responsibility and fun, new environs, excitement, thrill, applauses, and regrets, it has a huge significance in one’s life. It is time to achieve wisdom in addition to knowledge.

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Five Ways That Your Organization Can Involve Youth

Organizations that involve youth as partners in making decisions that affect them are more likely to be effective at engaging the population and, therefore, to have a more significant impact. Workshops and empowerment training too often only focus on telling young people what to do and fail to consider that, through their experiences, young people can provide valuable knowledge to the decision-making process.

Creating and supporting an organizational infrastructure for youth engagement takes effort and commitment, but it's not impossible. You should, of course, first establish a clear purpose and implementation plan, secure resources, and have support and training available so they can succeed.

5 ways that your organization can help support and amplify young people and their voices:

1. youth advocacy.

Your organization can offer ways for youth to speak out on important issues and advocate for themselves and their needs and incorporate youth's feedback throughout decision-making processes. When engaging youth, use modes of communication that young people prefer, such as social media.

2. Youth Leadership

Provide leadership training to young people and give them opportunities to develop important life skills. You can also offer roles within your organization with young serving as designers, experts, trainers, or researchers. Understand that including youth in leadership roles or training may mean covering costs to make the opportunity accessible, like transportation and supplies.

3. Youth Voice

Creating opportunities for youth to express themselves, voice their ideas, and provide input for projects or programs is critical for involving youth. But involve young people not just on "youth issues" but on all issues that affect their lives, communities, and futures. Above all, tell youth their voices matter—and really mean it.

4. Youth on Boards

If you're an organization that serves youth or addresses youth issues, it's important to include youth in decision-making. By inviting youth to join your board and giving them responsibility, you're demonstrating your commitment to supporting youth. In addition, whether a full board member role or an advisory position, including youth voices brings new ideas, makes your group more inclusive, and shows your community your commitment to amplifying young voices.

5. Youth Organizing

Encourage youth to develop and implement a project or initiative and be there to support them. Your support can be as simple as clicking "share" on social media, or you can also take a more direct approach and ask young people what you can do to help. For example, consider using the following question: "If you had someone to help you organize, what would you ask them to help you with?"

Want to learn more about youth engagement? Visit https://www.etr.org/yen/resources/youth-engagement/ .

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Youth engagement is a trending topic on agendas in 2022, but how are organizations putting it into action? Learn more about how 4 YEN partners are engaging youth in creative ways within their programs and resources.

MARCH 14, 2022

Why Social Media Should Be a Part of Your Youth Engagement Plan

With 90% percent of young people ages 13-17 reporting to have used social media, it only makes sense that some of the content you create should include their voice. In addition to being an essential space for information sharing, youth engagement on social networks can help young people feel informed, empowered, and represented.

MARCH 10, 2022

5 Key Takeaways from Flourish Agenda's Healing-Centered Engagement Course

ETR's YEN (Youth Engagement Network) recently participated in a healing-centered engagement course with Flourish Agenda. The self-paced training allowed YEN team members to get certified as healing-centered engagement practitioners, an asset-based and culturally-rooted approach to healing and well-being for young people of color and their adult allies.

JANUARY 28, 2022

Teen Talk with Jacky Gonzalez

For its first-ever ‘Teen Talk’ and in recognition of September’s Sexual Health Awareness Month in 2021, National Health Foundation chatted with Jacky Gonzalez, a youth consultant and participant in NHF’s Be a STAR program and activist for reproductive rights.

JANUARY 25, 2022

JANUARY 11, 2022

Four Youth Engagement Resolutions for the New Year

At ETR’s Youth Engagement Network (YEN), we get excited about learning and discovering new approaches for meaningfully engaging young people. Using our wins and insights over the last year and a half, we are highlighting four resolutions that might make you rethink how your organization engages young people in 2022.

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Introducing YEN: Trauma-informed, youth-centered, research-driven.

ETR's Youth Engagement Network (YEN) is a 3-year project funded by the Office of Population Affairs aiming to increase the number of young people who effectively engage in sexual health programs and services to promote optimal health, prevent teen pregnancy, and reduce sexually transmitted infections (STI).

NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Principles of youth engagement

Youth engagement is an intentional partnership between youth and an organization where young people are involved in all parts of an organization, from decision-making to implementation.

NOVEMBER 12, 2021

How YEN is helping partners create a roadmap for change

A theory of change (TOC) is a comprehensive description of why a particular way of working will be effective, showing how change happens in the short, medium, and long term to achieve the intended impact.

NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Three ways for young people to be involved in organizations

ETR's Youth Engagement Network (YEN) envisions that all young people, and particularly those who experience systemic marginalization or discrimination, have the ability and opportunity to be meaningfully and equitably engaged in the programs, policies, and systems that affect their lives and communities.

Essay on The Role of Youth Today

Students are often asked to write an essay on The Role of Youth Today in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on The Role of Youth Today

The importance of youth.

Youth is the foundation of a society. They are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Their role is crucial for societal development.

Education and Youth

Education empowers the youth. It gives them the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.

Youth and Technology

Youth today are tech-savvy. They use technology to learn, communicate, and solve problems, which is beneficial for the modern world.

Youth and Social Change

Youth are often at the forefront of social change. They challenge old norms and fight for equality and justice.

The role of youth today is significant. They have the potential to shape a better future.

250 Words Essay on The Role of Youth Today

The catalysts of change.

Youth today are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the partners of today. They represent a dynamic, energetic, and innovative segment of the population. Their role in society is not confined to self-development and securing a future, but extends to shaping the present.

The Power of Innovation

The digital native generation is at the forefront of technological innovation. They are not just consumers, but creators, harnessing the power of technology to develop new solutions to old problems. From climate change to social justice, the youth are using their digital prowess to drive change.

Agents of Social Transformation

Youth today play a pivotal role in social transformation. They challenge traditional norms, advocate for equality, and strive for a more inclusive society. Their voices are loud and clear in movements against racial discrimination, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.

Driving Political Change

The role of youth in politics is increasingly significant. They are not just voters, but active participants, influencing policy and demanding accountability. The youth’s engagement in politics is redefining democracy, making it more participatory and representative.

The Challenges Ahead

However, the youth face numerous challenges, including unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of access to quality education and healthcare. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of the youth.

In conclusion, the role of youth today is multifaceted and crucial. They are the catalysts of change, the drivers of innovation, and the agents of social and political transformation. The future lies in their hands, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are equipped to shape it.

500 Words Essay on The Role of Youth Today

The significance of youth in the contemporary world.

In today’s rapidly evolving society, the role of youth is more critical than ever. They are the torchbearers of change and progress, acting as catalysts in the transformation of society. They are the ones who question, challenge, and break the rigid structures of the past to pave the way for a more progressive future.

The Youth as Agents of Change

The youth of today are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are also the leaders of today. They are at the forefront of social, political, and environmental movements, driving change in their communities and countries. From climate change activists like Greta Thunberg to social justice advocates like Malala Yousafzai, young people are making their voices heard on the global stage.

Their activism is not limited to public protests and speeches. They are leveraging technology and social media to amplify their voices, mobilize support, and effect change on a scale that was previously unimaginable. They are harnessing the power of digital platforms to challenge the status quo and push for reforms in various spheres of life.

The Youth as Innovators

In addition to being change-makers, the youth are also innovators. They are the ones pushing the boundaries of technology, science, and art, creating new possibilities for the future. They are not afraid to take risks and experiment, and this spirit of innovation is what drives societal progress.

Young entrepreneurs are disrupting traditional industries with innovative business models and technologies. They are creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to societal development. Their innovations are not just about profit – they are also about solving pressing social and environmental problems.

The Youth as Builders of Peace

The youth also play a crucial role in peacebuilding. They are the ones who can bridge cultural, ethnic, and religious divides, fostering mutual understanding and respect. They can challenge divisive narratives and promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

In conflict-ridden societies, the youth can play a crucial role in reconciliation and healing. They can promote dialogue and understanding, helping to mend the social fabric and pave the way for a peaceful future.

The Challenges Facing the Youth

Despite their potential, the youth face numerous challenges. They are often marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, their voices unheard and their needs unmet. They also face numerous socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and discrimination.

These challenges are not insurmountable. With the right support and opportunities, the youth can overcome these obstacles and fulfill their potential as agents of change, innovators, and builders of peace.

In conclusion, the role of youth today is multifaceted and crucial. They are the agents of change, the innovators, and the peacebuilders. Their energy, creativity, and resilience make them a powerful force for progress. It is therefore essential that we recognize their potential, address their challenges, and provide them with the opportunities they need to thrive. After all, the future of our society depends on them.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on The Role of Youth in Nation Building
• Essay on Price Hike
• Essay on The Power of Words

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Stutterers, don’t listen to bullies like Trump. There are youth support groups to build you up.

• Published: Mar. 21, 2024, 8:39 p.m.
• Other Voices

I’ve been a stutterer for 74 years. So is my uncle, brother, nephew, and relatives before me. It’s hereditary. We experienced tough school and dating years and must prove we are educated, intelligent and good leadership material through employment interviews. A stutter wrongly implies, “not confident and nervous.” Plus, those like Donald Trump make fun of us.

At first, I was appalled at how Trump stutter-chirped to slam President Joe Biden at his Ohio idol-fest. But Trump has also chirped “Sleepy Joe,” “Crazy Hillary,” “Slimeball James” (Comey), “Meatball Ron,” “Ditzy DeVos,” “Birdbrain Haley,” “Wacky Omarosa,” “Crazy Nancy,” “Goofy Elizabeth,” etc.

Parents teach children not to call people disparaging, hurtful names. Trump relishes it to tear people down. He sounds like a schoolyard bully, except he wants his schoolyard to be the White House.

There are many stuttering organizations that help youth feel good about themselves while living with their stutter. They boost self-esteem, while Trump tries to take it down. Check out “ SAY, Stuttering Association for the Young ;” “ Friends: National Association of Young People Who Stutter ;” “ National Stuttering Association ;” “ American Institute for Stuttering ” and more. We stutterers welcome these organizations to instill confidence and shared community in our lives.

Patricia S. Nagel,

Brecksville

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VFW Now Accepting Applications for its Annual Youth Scholarship Contests

Middle and high school students compete for share of awards totaling nearly $3 million.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is now accepting entries for its 78th annual 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. This year’s themes ask America’s high school students “Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?” while middle school students will have the opportunity to contemplate, “My Voice in America's Democracy?”

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to high school students in ninth-12th grades, with the national first place prize scholarship totaling $35,000. The first place Department (state) winners receive a special Parade of Winners trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Twisted X, where they compete for more than $170,000 in national scholarship awards. Nearly 22,000 high school students worldwide compete in the competition each year. This year’s winner, Sophia Lin, is a junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Listen to her read her award-winning audio-essay  during the 2024 Parade of Winners ceremony at the VFW’s annual Washington Conference.

Open to middle school students in sixth through eighth grade, nearly 55,800 students participate annually in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Bryant Day, the 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio. Listen as he delivered his award-winning essay .

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is Oct. 31, 2024.

Read more about the contests , or submit your essay and entry form at your local participating VFW Post .

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Q&A: New Chattanooga Symphony and Opera executive director reflects on organization’s role in the community

March 21, 2024 at 9:00 p.m.

by Sam Still

Susan Caminez has taken over as executive director of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, replacing John Kilkenny , who was appointed executive director of the New York Youth Symphony earlier this year.

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Judge in Trump's civil fraud trial imposes monitor over Trump Organization's finances

Effective Thursday, former President Donald Trump's namesake family real estate company has a babysitter.

New York Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw Trump's civil fraud trial, imposed a monitor over the Trump Organization as part of a judgment that also required Trump to pay a nearly-half billion dollar penalty .

Barbara Jones, a retired federal judge, has been overseeing the Trump Organization's finances since November 2022 as part of a preliminary injunction. She is now installed for the next three years.

As part of the arrangement, the Trump Organization must open its books to Jones, who has also been given the ability to suggest court-ordered changes in how the Trump Organization operates.

She must be notified about any large cash transfers, the creation or dissolution of assets, the restructuring of debt and "any efforts to secure surety bonds," according to Engoron's order issued Thursday.

Engoron in February ordered Trump to pay $464 million in disgorgement and pre-judgment interest after he found the former president and his adult sons liable for using "numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation" to inflate his net worth in order to get more favorable loan terms. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and has appealed the decision in the case.

Trump is facing a Monday deadline to secure a bond to guarantee payment of the $464 million judgment should he lose his appeal. His lawyers have said it is "a practical impossibility," but New York Attorney General Letitia James suggested Trump had not explored all of his options.

The imposition of a monitor could limit Trump's ability to maneuver his money and his physical assets, as he attempts to secure the bond and pay his debts.

"Defendants shall not evade the terms of this Monitorship Order by transferring assets, reincorporating existing business entities in other forms or jurisdictions, modifying entity ownership, or any other form of restructuring or change in corporate form," Engoron said in his order.

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Photo Essay: 88th Readiness Division historian helps spread word of women's history during 2024 observance at Fort McCoy

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Ward Zischke, command historian with the 88th Readiness Division, talks with attendees... ... read more read more

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Ward Zischke, command historian with the 88th Readiness Division, talks with attendees about a historical display March 19, 2024, he set up during the Fort McCoy Women’s History Month observance at McCoy’s Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Zischke regularly takes time to support garrison events with historical information and displays to add another dimension of learning for event attendees to enjoy. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)   see less | View Image Page

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

Story by scott sturkol   january 2024">   december 2023">   november 2023">   october 2023">   september 2023">   august 2023">   august 2023">   july 2023">   june 2023">   may 2023">   april 2023">   march 2023">   february 2023">   january 2023">   december 2022">   december 2022">   november 2022">   october 2022">   october 2022">   september 2022">   august 2022">   july 2022">   june 2022">   april 2022">   march 2022">   february 2022">   january 2022">   december 2021">   november 2021">   october 2021">   september 2021">   august 2021">   july 2021">   june 2021">   may 2021">   april 2021">   march 2021">   february 2021">   february 2021">   january 2021">   january 2021">   december 2020">   december 2020">   november 2020">   november 2020">   october 2020">   september 2020">   august 2020">   july 2020">   june 2020">   may 2020">   april 2020">   march 2020">   february 2020">   january 2020">   december 2019">   november 2019">   october 2019">   october 2019">   september 2019">   august 2019">   july 2019">   june 2019">   may 2019">   april 2019">   march 2019">   february 2019">   january 2019">   december 2018">   october 2018">   september 2018">   august 2018">   july 2018">   june 2018">   may 2018">   april 2018">   march 2018">   february 2018">   january 2018">   december 2017">   november 2017">   october 2017">   september 2017">   august 2017">   july 2017">   may 2017">  , fort mccoy public affairs office   january 2024">     december 2023">     november 2023">     october 2023">     september 2023">  .

Ward Zischke, command historian with the 88th Readiness Division, talked with attendees about a historical display March 19, 2024, he set up during the Fort McCoy Women’s History Month observance at McCoy’s Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Zischke set up a display with books and other information that honored women who have served in the military as well as other important roles in history. Zischke regularly takes time to support garrison events with historical information and displays to add another dimension of learning for event attendees to enjoy. The 88th Readiness Division is a tenant organization at Fort McCoy. Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.” Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin. The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984. Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.” Also try downloading the Digital Garrison app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.” See more at https://home.army.mil/imcom.

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