A true partnership is one in which each party has the opportunity to make suggestions and decisions and in which the contribution of each is recognized and valued. A youth-adult partnership is one in which adults work in full partnership with young people on issues facing youth and/or on programs and policies affecting youth.
Sharing with youth the power to make decisions means adults’ respecting and having confidence in young people’s judgment. It means adults recognizing the youth’s assets, understanding what the youth will bring to the partnership, and being willing to provide additional training and support when the youth needs it (just as when including other adults in making decisions). Both youth and adults may need to embrace change for the partnership to work. For example, adults may need to modify their ideas about what will and will not work and about the times and conditions under which work proceeds. Similarly, youth may need to understand the limitations and realities that affect a program’s development, operation, and evaluation.
Effective youth and adult partnerships are key to promoting positive youth development, community engagement, and social change. When youth and adults work together in equal partnership, they can harness their unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to create innovative solutions and foster meaningful relationships. To ensure effective youth and adult partnerships, it is important to create a safe and inclusive space where all voices are heard and valued. This includes addressing power imbalances and building mutual trust and respect.
Effective youth and adult partnerships also require a commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration. This means setting clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities from the outset and regularly checking in with one another to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Effective partnerships involve actively listening and incorporating feedback, being open to different viewpoints and perspectives, and finding common ground when there are disagreements. By working collaboratively, youth and adults can build trusting relationships, gain new skills and knowledge, and create lasting change in their communities.
Another great benefit of the Community Builders Network is creating opportunities for youth and adults to learn from one another and to co-create solutions grounded in both perspectives. By working together towards a common vision, CBN promotes positive youth and adult development, empowered communities, and a better future for all.
