TIPS For Working with Youth in Community Development Projects

Sustainability through Partnerships: Keeping the Group Going

Long-term group life will depend on the recognition and support the group is given by the community. The group and the issue must be seen by the community as being important.

The group must see itself as being important before it can actively promote its assets and importance to the wider community.

High-profile and fun activities in the community increase public awareness of the group and its cause and attracts new youth.

Long-term sustainability requires the development of partnerships in the community. Working on youth issues with community partners provides group members with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in a real setting.

Before the community development group can be seen as a full and equal partner in the community, it may have to focus away from its own individual needs only and make the connection between youth issues and larger community needs.

Equality among partners is the strongest form of partnership. Equality is created when both parties agree that they need one another to solve a mutual problem.

Community development groups should consider working with a broad range of partners, including media, private-sector partners, government and non-governmental organizations.

One of the key factors that affects the group's legitimacy (and its long-term sustainability) is its ability to provide a link between other community stakeholders and youth. For instance, a community organization (e.g., a shopping mall) experiencing a problem related to youth (e.g., youth violence) may recognize that it needs to work with youth to solve the problem. Often, the community development group can make youth accessible.

During meetings with community partners, the group may assist with problem solving, provide links with youth and relay important information on youth issues.

The group should always be looking to identify individuals and groups who may have a need for its special skills in accessing at-risk youth.

The group should be careful not to become a service provider or an ongoing spokesperson for the target population of youth-at-risk. It may lose valuable connections and legitimacy with youth. It serves a better role as a link between the at-risk population and the wider community in solving community problems.