Youth/Adult Partnerships

Attitudes

Youth and Adults need to assess their own attitudes and behaviors. Some key questions that should be addressed individually by each member are:

• Do I appreciate different perspectives?
• What stereotypes do I have about others?
• Why should I be open to working with youth/adults?
• Could I share power with a(n) youth/adult?
• Do I hold preconceptions about youth/adults? What are they and why? Respect also plays a major role in one’s attitude/behavior towards others.
• Each person in the group deserves the same respect given to others.
• A culture of respect provides all people the opportunity to act on their dreams and learn from their mistakes.

Learning

Create opportunities that foster mutual learning.

• Provide for orientations and trainings that are beneficial to support both youth and adults.
• Make sure that the trainings are relevant to the group’s purpose and will enable them to get things done effectively.
• Consider trainings on: problem solving, action planning, how to read budget reports, etc.
• Be sure to get suggestions on trainings from members and utilize youth trainers.

Logistics

• Determine roles and responsibilities for both youth and adults: “How will young people fit into the organizational structure or overall plan?”, “Who will be responsible for what?”.
• Be conscious of youth and adult schedules when planning meetings and gatherings.
• Account for transportation of youth and be aware of food and beverages served at meeting(i.e., if serving alcohol to guests offer youth a non-alcoholic alternative).

Involvement

Count us in: Decisions about young people should be made with young people.

• Involving young people from the beginning builds ownership.
• Adults need to support young people in taking on responsibility based on what they can do, not what they have done.
• Young people and adults must hold each other accountable for all their decisions and actions.
• Provide financial and moral support.
• Create situations which foster mentorship between youth and adults.
• Push your organization/project/team to challenge the boundaries; How could this Youth/ Adult Partnership be even more successful?
• Encourage creative and new ideas.
• Acknowlege time, effort, and successful partnerships with recognition and celebration activities.
• HAVE FUN! This Tip Sheet looks at the components of creating a Youth/Adult Partnership and what needs to be in place for a partnership to manifest into a sustainable relationship. There are eight topics that will help to ensure a successful 

Analysis

Reflection helps everyone appreciate the importance of their work—for themselves, for their program, and for their community.

• Both youth and adults should reflect on strengths, weaknesses, and personal practice they observe through their partnership.
• Reflection can be facilitated through on-going discussions about:
• What have we learned through this interaction?
• Should anything be changed?
• What are some areas in which I can improve?
• What have we gained?
• How can we do things better?

Networking/Outreach

Find out who is doing the same thing:

• Invite other Youth/Adult partnership groups to functions.
• Ask youth or adults from other groups to give workshops/presentations
• Let other groups know your availability for trainings.
• Help to build sustainability in your group by reaching out and having others become involved.
• Encourage people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to participate.
• Sell your program or idea: What will new participants help accomplish?
• Determine the benefits of participation: Youth—How will you benefit from participating in a project or program?; Adults—What does your program/organization have to offer? (experience/skills/stipends)
• Involve young people in the recruitment process. Program alumns are oftern most effective at attracting new members.
• Young people and adults should continually challenge the impact of their programs on the community.

Commitment

It takes time: Investing in the future is accepting young people as leaders today.

• Both youth and adults should be honest about the expectations they have of each other and the level of commitment they are able to contribute to the partnership.
• Young people and adults must let their fears aside and take a chance on each other.
• Each person must develop their own ability to work with each other.
• Both parties must be willing to commit their time and energy to do the work and be willing to learn from each other.
• Strong partnerships require patience, understanding, and courage.

Exchange

Listen up: An honest and open exchange of ideas is crucial.

• Open the door to communication—often times both young people and adults avoid genuine communication with each other.
• Young people are best heard when adults step back and young people step up.
• Adults are best heard when they are straight up and explain where they’re coming from.