Engaging underrepresented youth populations in community youth development: Tapping social capital as a critical resource

For youth who are the most vulnerable to challenging community conditions, more limited opportunities, and poor health, educational and economic trajectories derive especially strong benefits from engagement in community youth development efforts. Although communities can benefit in powerful ways fr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:New directions for student leadership 2013-06, Vol.2013 (138), p.109-124
Main Author: Erbstein, Nancy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Development
Adults
California
Children & youth
Community Change
Community development
Community Relations
Disadvantaged Youth
Disproportionate Representation
Humans
Indigenous Knowledge
Intention
Leadership
Outreach Programs
Program Development - standards
Social Capital
Social Change
Social Environment
Vulnerable Populations - psychology
Youth Opportunities
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Summary:For youth who are the most vulnerable to challenging community conditions, more limited opportunities, and poor health, educational and economic trajectories derive especially strong benefits from engagement in community youth development efforts. Although communities can benefit in powerful ways from the knowledge and insight of these youth populations, the experiences of vulnerable youth are often underrepresented in planning and decision making. This article draws on lessons learned from two communities that successfully engaged such youth in a community change initiative over four years. Key elements in creating the types of safe, supportive, and meaningful settings that promote young people's ongoing participation and leadership were intentionality and commitment; local knowledge of vulnerable populations; adult allies with key capacities; meaningful focus; resources for intensive outreach, relationship building, and youth support; and continuity of key adults. Each of these elements is described, identifying the ways they build on often underrecognized forms of social capital and offering lessons learned about engaging underserved youth populations in community youth development.
ISSN:1533-8916
2373-3349
1537-5781
2373-3357
DOI:10.1002/yd.20061