Youth Leadership and Positive Youth Development

I’m going to be blogging a bit on underage drinking, and youth leadership. I am a senior program coordinator with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP). I’ve been volunteering with both the GPP and MADD since I was in 8th grade, and became a full time employee when I graduated from Central CT State University in 2006. At the GPP I work closely with youth, police, and community coalitions (one if which is your very own Mansfield, Willington and Ashford group iParent Network).

Youth Leadership and positive youth development are near and dear to my heart. I think people often overlook the power of young people, and forget just how effective a group of passionate young people can be. We hear a lot about peer pressure, but forget that peer pressure can be a positive thing.

So what is Positive Youth Development (PYD)?

Positive Youth Development is a set of multi-faceted programs designed to help kids grow into mature, safe, and successful adults. Karen Pittman, a renowned veteran in youth work, is credited with coining the motto of the PYD field: "Being problem-free is not the same as being fully prepared." Goals of PYD include: promoting positive peer relationships, emphasizing youth strengths, providing youth with the opportunity to learn about healthy behaviors, connecting youth with caring adults, challenging youth to build their competence, and providing them with leadership opportunities.

There are tons of great organizations locally and nationally that provide youth with fantastic lifelong skills that prepare them for a successful future. Mansfield, Willington, and Ashford has a great youth group that is spearheaded by a dedicated and energetic UConn student, Jen O’Neill.

We are really lucky to be one of only three states in the country to have a wonderful youth leadership summer camp sponsored by our State MADD Chapter. MADD Power Camp has been cultivating youth leaders in our state for more than 20 years. This camp goes beyond preaching to kids about the dangers of underage drinking. It equips youth with the tools to make long lasting changes in their environment, be confident in who they are, and make friends who share similar values from across the state. My father sent me to MADD Power Camp when I was 14, and it completely changed my life! For more information on MADD Power Camp you can visit their website: www.madd.org/ct

We also have an active SADD Chapter in CT that provides youth groups with resources to create and implement projects in their community. SADD is a great organization that prides itself on empowering young people to help each other. You can check out the SADD website: www.sadd.org or you can check out our state site: http://www.preventionworksct.org/sadd.html

Let’s not forget about other great organizations: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Juniorettes, and the list goes on and on.

With so many great ways to get involved, so you think your child would be interested? Has your child been active in any groups that promote youth leadership? Can you think of any successful initiatives or programs that have been spearheaded by youth?