Youth-adult partnership is a conscious relationship that establishes and sustains intergenerational equity between young people and adults. Youth-adult partnerships often display a high degree of youth rights and autonomy, and is often synonymous with meaningful youth participation. Typically seen with adults acting in a mentor capacity, providing scaffolding to the youth. Unlike traditional mentoring, youth-adult partnerships are categorized by multiple adults and multiple youthZeldin, S., McDaniel, A., Topitzes, D., & Lorens, M.B. (2001). "Bringing young people to the table: Effects on adults and youth organizations," CYD Journal, 2(2) p. 20-27. and there must also be a mutuality where adults and youth teach and learn from one another, working together in their community.
Factors for Success The success of these partnerships rely on a variety of factors. In addition to concrete outcomes, youth/adult partnerships require specific cultural and structural supports within organizations and communities in order to succeed.Zeldin, S. and Petrokubi, J. (2006) "Understanding Innovation: Youth-Adult Partnerships in Decision Making," The Prevention Researcher. 131. Pages 11-15.
There needs to be mutual respect and cohesiveness within members of the partnership.
Common Settings These relationships usually occur within youth organizations, where they are typified by youth voice. Youth voice is commonly recognized as an essential element of effective youth-adult partnerships.
Schools In democratic schools, they are typified by student voice. One of the expectations from these youth-adult partnerships is that the student-led groups can represent the student body to the administration and school boards. This can be done in a variety of different ways, such as planning activities, cocreating curriculum, and assessing progress and current effectiveness of programs within the school.
Communities Youth-adult partnerships can empower youth and adults as they educate their peers and advocate for the promotion of health and active engagement in the community.
Outcomes Youth-adult partnerships allow young people to: Express their views and raise awareness for social issues publicly Gain respect for adult allies Find ways to express their creativity Work for a good cause Think more critically Be a valued asset to the project and the community(n.d.)Dialogues Across Nebraska: Youth Adult Partnerships University of Nebraska Rural Initiative. Raise issues that adults may be avoiding, or unaware of. The relationships formed by youth-adult partnerships combat ephebiphobia and adultism by elevating the role of youth voice.Fletcher, A. (2006) Washington Youth Voice Handbook. Olympia, WA: CommonAction.
A broad number of parties benefit from said partnerships, including the organizations where the partnerships occur, and the adults and youth who are involved. Actual benefits range from increased commitment, to higher feelings of self-efficacy, as well as increased organizational effectiveness and civic engagement.Norman, J. (2001) "Building Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships" , Transitions. 141, October 2001. Advocates for Youth. Youth-adult partnerships have been found to be particularly effective in addressing school improvement,Fletcher, A. (2005) Meaningful student involvement guide to students as school partners. Bothell, WA: HumanLinks Foundation. promoting Global Health Initiatives,Family Health International. (2002) YouthLens: Youth-Adult Partnerships Network. 222. Author. and integrating technology in the classroom.Goldman, G. & McCombs, B. (n.d.) Using New Educational Technologies to Empower Youth: The Power of Youth-Adult Partnerships in e-Learning . Seattle, WA: New Horizons for Learning.
According to the State of Texas, youth-adult partnerships have allowed young people to assume the roles of advisors and consultants to youth organizations, political lobbyists, community organizers, grant (money) decision-makers, nonprofit board directors, and as direct youth service providers.(2002) Youth/Adult Partnerships Guide Texas Network of Youth Services and Prevention and Early Intervention/Community Youth Development, Division of the Texas, Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Additional practice has identified significant roles for youth-adult partnerships in rural civic engagement projects(n.d.)Civic Engagement and Youth/Adult Partnerships Arlington, VA: Rural School and Community Trust. and in creating effective outreach for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.(n.d.) GLSEN Jump Start: Youth Adult Partnerships New York, NY: GLSEN.
See also Community youth development Intergenerational equity Positive psychology Service learning Youth participation
References
External links Youth/Adult Partnerships Factsheet University of Arizona website. Youth/Adult Partnerships Tip Sheet The Freechlid Project. SpunOut.ie National Youth Website, Ireland.