“We’re expected to act like adults, but we’re treated like kids.” (South High Club Leader.)
The Positive Youth Development Educator’s role is to make decision-making stronger by incorporating more young people into civic life. Do you have an organization that is working to benefit kids? Would your committee like its work to inspire young people? Are you trying to deepen your bench of potential leaders? Wonder if something would go better with student input?
There are many resources for young people in Sheboygan county. School districts, organizations, and individuals are working hard for youth. There are fewer examples of activities happening for and with youth. Extension’s PYD Educator, Diana Hammer, can work with you or your organization to connect youth and adults together in meaningful partnerships.
Examples of ways your PYD Educator can support you:
- Student-led, school clubs and adult-led, community clubs often form on the same topics. Extension could facilitate these groups connecting around their shared interests.
- There is an interest among elected officials to learn more from youth but little staff capacity or time to focus on this. Extension could organize and facilitate processes for elected bodies to learn more from young residents.
- Sheboygan County is interested in young people learning more about county careers and duties. Extension is organizing Government Days for students to visit and learn more about the role of local government.
- Teachers often incorporate civic engagement projects into classes. Extension could connect students to the relevant local decision-makers for practical application of new skills and learning.
- Youth-serving nonprofits need to do quality evaluation for funders and may not regularly seek feedback from young clients. Extension could teach and facilitate evaluation processes which help integrate youth voice into program outcome reports and improvement plans.
In a national study, 3/4 of young people believe they have the power to make a difference, but 1/3 say they are not engaged in their communities. Let’s change that in Sheboygan County so we don’t miss out.
