Community Youth in Action
Youth leadership development
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Developing CYA Youth Leadership Skills
WE LOOK FOR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL IN EVERYONE.
We think of every young person as someone who possesses leadership potential. It’s worthwhile to consider how youth can get involved in community change.
YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP AS LEADERS WHEN CARING ADULTS TAKE THE TIME TO GIVE MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK AND BUILD THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE.
Finding time to meet with youth individually can be challenging, but it is crucial. We meet regularly with youth leaders and be on the lookout for impromptu individual meetings. CYA mentors are a vital part of youth leadership.
‘OPPORTUNITIES’ ARE WHEN YOUTH LEAD PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES.
Sometimes it’s hard for adults to step back and play the supportive role, but that is how CYA develops leaders. Adults can have a negative impact if they ask youth to take ownership of a task and then decide to do it themselves. CYA ensures young people have the guidance needed to complete agreed-upon activities.
OFFER LOTS OF TRAINING AND CLEAR GUIDANCE.
Youth need the training to understand community issues. CYA ensures youth are ready for each task, have adequate resources, have the confidence to lead a project, and effectively use their time.