26 Creating Asset Rich Environments <strong>for</strong> <strong>Children</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Youth</strong> What are other ways you <strong>and</strong>/or your organization can promote caring adult relationships with children <strong>and</strong> youth? ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
Creating Asset Rich Environments <strong>for</strong> <strong>Children</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Youth</strong> 27 Strategy 2 Facilitate Meaningful Participation “If the next generation has no stake in the neighborhood, I don’t care what you do to it, it’s going to deteriorate. We’ve got to have youth at the table, not just as invited guests, but as strong players.” Garl<strong>and</strong> Yates, Rebuilding Communities Initiative Within <strong>Ventura</strong> <strong>County</strong>, there is a wealth of human resource agencies dedicated to improving the well-being of our children <strong>and</strong> youth – schools, colleges, youth programs, community centers, after school programs, human service agencies, foundations, businesses, <strong>and</strong> more. However, there is still a lot more that agencies can do to engage young people in meaningful ways. We all need to feel that we matter to those around us, that our voice is heard, that there is relevance to what we do, <strong>and</strong> that we are valued. Our young people are no different; they, too, want to make a positive impact in their homes, schools <strong>and</strong> communities. It is important that we help foster opportunities <strong>for</strong> young people to experience meaningful participation by involving them in activities where their voice is heard <strong>and</strong> they actively work with adults to study, plan, <strong>and</strong> implement the changes that may benefit them. It is also important we take the time to let young people know that what they contribute is important <strong>and</strong> appreciated. What is Meaningful Participation? Meaningful participation is the involvement of young people in relevant, engaging, <strong>and</strong> interesting activities while having opportunities <strong>for</strong> responsibility <strong>and</strong> contribution at home, at school, <strong>and</strong> in the community (WestEd, 2003). How it Matters Research (Pittman, Martin & Williams, 2007; Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Department of Education, 1999, 2001) shows that young people who engage in meaningful participation in school <strong>and</strong> community activities have improved chances <strong>for</strong> positive <strong>and</strong> healthy development, including improved academic achievement <strong>and</strong> positive work behaviors. To engage young people, schools <strong>and</strong> organizations must be intentional in recruiting a diverse group of youth to join as partners in making <strong>and</strong> sustaining policies <strong>and</strong> procedures that affect them. The Search Institute states that meaningful participation builds “Developmental Assets,” <strong>and</strong> its research indicates that the more assets young people possess the better chance they have of growing up to be healthy <strong>and</strong> responsible, <strong>and</strong> the less likely they are to make harmful or unhealthy choices. Research conducted by Whitlock (2004) indicated that, although students reported feeling connected to their schools, “nearly 50% of the respondents felt that people their age were not permitted meaningful opportunities to influence institutional policies <strong>and</strong> practice.” The relationships that the students had at their schools with the teachers <strong>and</strong> staff played an important role in how engaged the students felt.
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