Embracing the Power of Youth Voice

When you want to spark community change but have limited resources, you have to get creative. For the Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) program currently offered in rural south Texas, that meant using a youth-voice framework, from simple input to quick-action connectivity demonstrations to simulate positive change in hopes of garnering support. In this session, attendees can learn about youth-driven input, planning, and demonstrations. This youth voice approach often gives the community a spark for more permanent, long-term change.
Project examples have included: supporting youth working to reclaim and adopt an under-utilized local park, offering a youth planning academy familiarizing youth with planning processes and giving them the opportunity to envision change in their communities, and supporting youth in executing connectivity demonstrations that provide them with safer, more walkable community spaces. As they are carrying out these efforts, the WOW-E team assists the youth in communicating with and engaging city leaders, various city departments, experts as needed, and various constituent groups and citizens.    
This youth-driven approach naturally fosters a network of support and excitement for the possible changes from city leadership and the community. When youth are involved in making positive change to their community spaces, they are often more inclined to feel a sense of ownership, pride, and belonging in their community. This helps create long-term citizenship and capacity for collaborative change.
Embracing youth intuition and perspective is a great way to identify important and creative opportunities for positive community change that can make a meaningful impact. This session will remind attendees of the significance of starting small and will highlight the importance of empowering and involving youth.