There is growing interest from elected officials and community leaders in offering young people ways to be involved in their local communities. Leaders increasingly recognize that when they engage youth to address issues that affect them—whether how best to design a career technical education program or deal with school absenteeism—sometimes youth have different and more effective solutions to suggest. Today, youth have many opportunities for input. These include city or county youth councils, youth participatory action research, and civic engagement projects through after-school activities.
Many of these initiatives are looking for projects that give young people a meaningful voice as well as a rewarding experience getting involved in their community. One strategy that accomplishes these goals is engaging young people in child & youth impact assessments (CYIAs). In addition, the findings from these assessments help local decision-makers take young people into account as they make important budget and policy choices.
Child & youth impact assessments are beginning to be adopted in communities across the U.S. In Fresno, California, for example, a group of high school students used an impact assessment to advance STEM diversity in their school. And in a community in Colorado, a youth-centered impact assessment was instrumental in helping to pass a ballot measure to fund one of the most under-resourced school districts in the state.
These efforts are providing valuable lessons about what works. For example, it is critical to have youth participation from the very beginning of the CYIA process—whether young people are doing the assessments, themselves, or are one of the stakeholder groups providing feedback.
Another lesson is that young people often need information and support as they conduct impact assessments. That’s why Kids Impact created this tip sheet to help adult allies ensure young people have a positive experience.
We hope adults working with youth in schools, government, or community settings will find these tips and other Kids Impact resources useful to engage youth to impact their communities and give them meaningful experiences with civic engagement.
For assistance in implementing impact assessments in your community, contact info@kidsimpact.org.
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There is growing interest from elected officials and community leaders in offering young people ways to be involved in their local communities. Leaders increasingly recognize that when they engage youth to address issues that affect them—whether how best to design a career technical education program or deal with school absenteeism—sometimes youth have different and more effective solutions to suggest. Today, youth have many opportunities for input. These include city or county youth councils, youth participatory action research, and civic engagement projects through after-school activities.
Many of these initiatives are looking for projects that give young people a meaningful voice as well as a rewarding experience getting involved in their community. One strategy that accomplishes these goals is engaging young people in child & youth impact assessments (CYIAs). In addition, the findings from these assessments help local decision-makers take young people into account as they make important budget and policy choices.
Child & youth impact assessments are beginning to be adopted in communities across the U.S. In Fresno, California, for example, a group of high school students used an impact assessment to advance STEM diversity in their school. And in a community in Colorado, a youth-centered impact assessment was instrumental in helping to pass a ballot measure to fund one of the most under-resourced school districts in the state.
These efforts are providing valuable lessons about what works. For example, it is critical to have youth participation from the very beginning of the CYIA process—whether young people are doing the assessments, themselves, or are one of the stakeholder groups providing feedback.
Another lesson is that young people often need information and support as they conduct impact assessments. That’s why Kids Impact created this tip sheet to help adult allies ensure young people have a positive experience.
We hope adults working with youth in schools, government, or community settings will find these tips and other Kids Impact resources useful to engage youth to impact their communities and give them meaningful experiences with civic engagement.
For assistance in implementing impact assessments in your community, contact info@kidsimpact.org.
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