Youth-adult partnership is a consciousrelationship that establishes and sustains intergenerational equity between young people and adults. Youth-adult partnerships often display a high degree of youth rights and autonomy, and is often synonymous with meaningful youth participation. Typically seen with adults acting in a mentor capacity, providing scaffolding to the youth. Unlike traditional mentoring, youth-adult partnerships are categorized by multiple adults and multiple youth[1] and there must also be a mutuality where adults and youth teach and learn from one another, working together in their community.[2]
The success of these partnerships rely on a variety of factors. In addition to concrete outcomes, youth/adult partnerships require specific cultural and structural supports within organizations and communities in order to succeed.[3]
There needs to be mutual respect and cohesiveness within members of the partnership. [4]
These relationships usually occur within youth organizations, where they are typified by youth voice. Youth voice is commonly recognized as an essential element of effective youth-adult partnerships.
Indemocratic schools, they are typified by student voice. One of the expectations from these youth-adult partnerships is that the student-led groups can represent the student body to the administration and school boards. [2] This can be done in a variety of different ways, such as planning activities, cocreating curriculum, and assessing progress and current effectiveness of programs within the school. [2]
Youth-adult partnerships can empower youth and adults as they educate their peers and advocate for the promotion of health and active engagement in the community.[4]
Be a valued asset to the project and the community[5]
Raise issues that adults may be avoiding, or unaware of.[2]
The relationships formed by youth-adult partnerships combat ephebiphobia and adultism by elevating the role of youth voice. [6]
A broad number of parties benefit from said partnerships, including the organizations where the partnerships occur, and the adults and youth who are involved.[1] Actual benefits range from increased commitment, to higher feelings of self-efficacy,[7] as well as increased organizational effectiveness and civic engagement.[8] Youth-adult partnerships have been found to be particularly effective in addressing school improvement,[9][2] promoting Global Health Initiatives,[10] and integrating technology in the classroom.[11]
According to the State of Texas, youth-adult partnerships have allowed young people to assume the roles of advisors and consultants to youth organizations, political lobbyists, community organizers, grant (money) decision-makers, nonprofit board directors, and as direct youth service providers.[12] Additional practice has identified significant roles for youth-adult partnerships in rural civic engagement projects[13] and in creating effective outreach for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.[14]
^ abZeldin, S., McDaniel, A., Topitzes, D., & Lorens, M.B. (2001). "Bringing young people to the table: Effects on adults and youth organizations," CYD Journal, 2(2) p. 20-27.
^Zeldin, S. and Petrokubi, J. (2006) "Understanding Innovation: Youth-Adult Partnerships in Decision Making," The Prevention Researcher. 131. Pages 11-15.
^(2002) Youth/Adult Partnerships GuideArchived June 14, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Texas Network of Youth Services and Prevention and Early Intervention/Community Youth Development, Division of the Texas, Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.
