

Forming and sustaining positive youth development initiatives
The Issue
A teenager participating in the focus group process.
What Has ANR Done?
UC Cooperative Extesnion undertook a study to asertain the common traits of the successful initiatives. Four California positive-approach community initiatives were examined by UC's Applied Developmental Science Workgroup. The study included interviews with adults, youth photo-documentary notebooks, youth focus groups, and document review to explore strategies used in building and sustaining the programs. The study found that even though the programs were different in many respects and located in different communities, the same five steps were used to bring about and sustain the initiatives. The steps the researchers identified are:1) Engage adults from all sectors of the community to develop positive, sustained relationships with young people.
2) Mobilize young people to act as “change agents” and become part of the community’s decision making process.
3) Activate all parts of the community to create an asset-building environment and culture in the community.
4) Invigorate existing programs to become asset-rich and available to all children and youth.
5) Influence civic decisions by working with community opinion leaders and decision makers.
The Payoff
Results of this project likely to assist other positive-approach initiatives
School districts, YMCAs, Economic Opportunity Commissions, Departments of Social Services, Departments of Alcohol and Drugs, 4-H, community recreation departments, and other community-based and youth-serving organizations have been involved and interested in the research of the workgroup. The research has helped community members understand the nature of UC Cooperative Extension’s role in applied research and education.Workgroup members have presented research-papers and workshops, and led discussion groups throughout California, at numerous conferences outside of California, and at three conferences outside the United States. This grass-roots presentation approach, along with a planned practical “how-to” manual, will continue to assist many positive-approach initiatives throughout the United States in the years ahead. The information generated by the workgroup's research is being used by groups throughout the country in assisting them in the start-up phase of their initiatives. Organizations have changed their practices and focus areas as a result of the workgroup's results. In addition, the results of the research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on positive youth development and community initiatives.
Contact
Supporting Unit:
4-H Youth Development ProgramApplied Developmental Science Workgroup, Nancy Hafer, chair, nshafer@ucdavis.edu, (530) 757-8645