The document provides information on engaging youth in community development. It discusses why youth engagement is important for economic and community success. It outlines the different age groups of youth and their common interests, which include social networking, sports, and school activities. The document then gives suggestions on how to engage youth, such as using social media, offering mentorship programs, hosting youth events, and forming partnerships with schools and businesses. It also provides examples of successful youth engagement programs.

1. Engaging Youth
Summary of Youth Speak Out!
Provided by:
Debra Swan Community Consulting
for
Association of Community Futures
Development Corporations
Thunder Bay, Ontario
June 11, 2010

2. Engaging Youth©
WHY

3. Engaging Youth©
“IMAGINE YOUR COMMUNITY
WITHOUT YOUTH!”
Succession planning = economic cycle
Local people – local jobs
Youth = infrastructure = future
They are the future of our communities

4. Engaging Youth©
WHO

5. Engaging Youth©
AGE BREAKDOWN
8 – 14 Mid elementary school to beginning
high school
14 – 19 High school to beginning post secondary
19 – 29 Post secondary to career establishment

6. Engaging Youth©
INTERESTS
 Social networking/internet
 Sports/recreation
 Skateboard parks
 Clubs
 School functions

7. Engaging Youth©
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
 Different words – different meaning
 „text‟ speak – OMG, LOL, LMAO, POS
 Social networking is the new planning tool
 Subtle approach may see more success
 Listen to peers
 Clear messages are necessary

8. Engaging Youth©
HOW

9. Engaging Youth©
UTILIZE SOCIAL NETWORK SITES
 Facebook page
 Twitter
 Blogging
 Email
 Partner/piggyback on what is out there ie: youth
centre electronic newsletter

10. Engaging Youth©
HIGH RISK LENDING – MENTOR SHIP
 Personal guarantee is enough
 Alleviate the fear of debt
 Mentorship and guidance is part of the package

11. Engaging Youth©
CREATE YOUR OWN ROAD SHOW
 Go to them
 Create a gathering space
 Tradeshows
 Summer camps

12. Engaging Youth©
PARTNERSHIPS
 Schools
 Local businesses
 Internship programs
 Government
 Find „champions‟ to work with to help spread the
message

13. Engaging Youth©
PROVIDE MEANINGFUL FORUMS FOR
YOUTH TO BE HEARD/LISTENED TO
 Formal representation on Municipal Councils
 Youth council
 Youth advisors to CFDCs
 Youth tradeshows; conferences

14. Engaging Youth©
SUCCESSES TO CONSIDER
 Logo contest for grades 5/6; students had to
come up with a business idea and create a logo
for that business

15. Engaging Youth©
SUCCESSES TO CONSIDER
 Business summer camp; children ages 10 – 14,
received a real loan (financing); purchased
supplies and materials; created a craft; sold it at
the mall; paid back loan

16. Engaging Youth©
SUCCESSES TO CONSIDER
 Youth business plan competition; Gr. 9 – 12
developed a business concept/idea and wrote a
business plan

17. Engaging Youth©
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
 Arrange local business tours for youth
 Internship programs
 Start at the top
 Give the message – “If it is not here for you, you
have an opportunity to create it!”

18. Engaging Youth©
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
 In northern communities youth concerns are:
“What can I do that will allow me to stay in my
community?”
 In southern rural communities youth concerns
are: “What do I need to do to get away from here
as quickly as I can?”

19. Engaging Youth©
FACILITATOR THOUGHTS
 Consider what youth have witnessed through their
parents work situations and experiences
 Involve youth in the „decisions‟, not just the
consultations
 If you consult – pay attention to what you are told!

20. Debra Swan
Community Consulting
Box 584,
Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0
705-627-5303
debra@swancommunityconsulting.com