1. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Establishing Youth Organizations

2. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why establish youth organizations? Advantages for young people: Develop important personal and interpersonal skills. Gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Reduce the risk of unsafe activities. Develop job skills and acquire experience. Offer opportunities for leadership. Develop a strong support network of young people.

3. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why establish youth organizations? Advantages for the community: Change public perception of young people. Youth less likely to cause problems and more likely to want to look for solutions. Allows youth to carefully develop their leadership potential. Other community organizations can often partner with youth organizations, to mutual benefit.

4. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas When is a good time to establish an organization? When a dramatic, disturbing, or significant event occurs in the community. At the beginning of the school year. When new information becomes known. When a significant issue specifically concerning youth needs to be confronted. When current organizations are not meeting community needs. When a group wants to create broad, significant community changes. To respond to threats to the community, such as increased violence.

5. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you establish youth organizations? Decide what type of youth organization you want to form. What problem is being solved Concerns Cause of the problem Decide where the organization should be based. Recruit members Define your goals clearly with group members. What do we want to do? How should we go about doing that? Find out what resources are available to your organization.

6. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you establish youth organizations? (cont.) Obtain and use those resources. Orient and train staff, adult assistants, and participants. Get to work! Celebrate your successes!