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Here are our favorite tips to help engage teenagers and encourage youth empowerment in volunteer programs – or any organization – from LaTonia Naylor!
1. Sometimes youth are the experts!
Social media has become a necessary part of any organization. Often youth are experts at “the next big media” before it’s on an organization’s radar. When youth realize that they have something unique to add to your organization, they often try harder and do a better job.
2. Know their interests!
Ask your youth volunteers what they are passionate about. If you can find a strong connection between their interests and the work they do for your organization, the extra effort will pay off! Youth are most committed and highest performing when working towards a passion. This will undoubtedly encourage youth empowerment.
3 . Expect great things from your young people!
Sometimes without meaning to, we expect less from our youth volunteers because of their age. Treat them as little adults. Expect the same from them as you would your adult volunteers and allow them to rise to the occasion.
4. Connect the dots!
If youth don’t tell you what they want to do for your organization, ask them what they enjoy doing. Find the intersection between what you need and their passion. If you can make that important connection, your youth will be committed and passionate about your organization.
5. Empathize!
Young people need more than mandated volunteer opportunities to be impacted by community engagement. They need adult role models. Taking an extra minute to show interest in a volunteer by asking how their projects are going can make them feel a greater sense of belonging and commitment to your organization.
LaTonia Naylor is the Community Impact Coordinator for the United Way of Pioneer Valley. She has researched the analytical and scientific data on youth volunteerism and has these five tips for engaging teenagers in any organization.
The post 5 Ways to Engage Teenagers: Tools for Youth Empowerment appeared first on TeenLife.