As a leader in youth development, your role goes beyond guiding programs and managing logistics you are a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for young people finding their voice. Encouraging youth voice is not just about giving them a platform to speak; it’s about creating a culture where they feel heard, valued, and empowered to take action.
Young people have fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of the world around them. When you prioritize their voices, you help them develop confidence, critical thinking skills. This gives them a sense of ownership over their own growth. It also strengthens your organization youth-led initiatives often bring new energy, creativity, and relevance to your mission.
But here’s the challenge: Too often, adults dominate decision-making spaces, unintentionally silencing young voices by focusing too much on structure, efficiency, or tradition. Your job is to shift that dynamic and build an environment where youth feel empowered to speak up and take initiative.
1. Shift from Authority to Partnership: Instead of positioning yourself as the sole decision-maker, invite youth to be co-creators in the process. Ask for their opinions in meetings, encourage them to brainstorm solutions, and genuinely integrate their feedback into the decision-making process.
Action Item: Start each meeting by asking a youth participant to set the agenda item they care most about.
2. Create Spaces for Safe Expression: Not all young people feel comfortable speaking up in large groups, and some may need encouragement to share their thoughts. Foster an inclusive environment by offering different ways for them to express themselves—through writing, small-group discussions, or even anonymous idea boxes.
Action Item: Use multiple formats; verbal, written, and digital—to collect youth feedback and ideas.
3. Validate Their Ideas and Contributions: Nothing discourages youth voice faster than being ignored. When young people share their thoughts, respond with affirmation and curiosity rather than immediate correction. Let them know their ideas matter and help them refine their thinking rather than dismissing it outright.
Action Item: When a young person suggests an idea, respond with, “That’s interesting! How do you think we could make that work?”
4. Give Youth Real Leadership Opportunities: Encouraging youth voice isn’t just about listening—it’s about giving them real opportunities to lead. Whether it’s co-facilitating a program, leading a project, or representing their peers in decision-making groups, these experiences help them build leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
Action Item: Assign a youth leader to co-lead an event or meeting and debrief with them afterward about the experience.
When you prioritize youth voice, you aren’t just helping young people feel heard. You’re fostering the next generation of leaders. Your ability to listen, validate, and empower them can shape their confidence and ability to lead in the future.
So, the next time you’re working with young people, ask yourself: Am I truly listening? Am I making space for them to lead? Because when you do, you’ll be amazed at what they can accomplish.
