Youth Empowerment Strategies
1. Listen More
Too often, we tend to talk more than we actually listen to young people and their ideas. Like in most relationships, the simple act of listening and truly hearing another person’s perspective is so empowering. It is so important to know that your ideas are valued.
2. Mentorship
In the global community, we must value the need for mentorship. Leaders must consider it a priority to come along side young people who also desire to create change in their communities and around the world. Peer mentorship is also important. You are never too old or young to mentor another person!
3. Pass the Torch
Leaders in organizations, businesses and communities must recognize when the torch must be passed on. Young people are leading the way for change. In so many countries, the torch from the “older generation” to the younger generation is not being adequately passed. This point directly ties into the importance of leaders also being mentors.
4. Exercise Humility
As leaders, we must be humble and willing to accept new ideas from young people and others we are working with. We can not always think “our way is the right way.” Empowering young people means being humble and willing to admit and utilize good and new ideas especially when they are better than our own.
5. Give Young People a Seat at the Table
At many youth-focused events there has been one very significant component missing: YOUTH. Young people need an actual space at the table to share their views, opinions and about the great work they are doing.
