Courtesy: Prateek Suman Awasti, UNFPA
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/topic/youth-development
DEFINITIONS OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT typically characterize it as a process or approach in which young people become competent or develop competencies necessary to be successful and meet challenges (Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; National Collaboration for Youth, 2003; Pittman, 1991; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995). Most definitions also identify either specific desired outcomes that young people need to achieve or critical tasks they must accomplish in order to achieve these positive outcomes (Astroth, Brown, Poore, & Timm, 2002; US Department of Heath and Human Services, 1996; Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995; Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989). The Search Institute’s definition differs slightly in its focus on assets, defined as factors – both internal and external – that promote positive development; however, its explanation of youth development covers similar developmental needs and challenges as other definitions (Search Institute, 1996). Most sources identify similar and overlapping competencies and outcomes that young people need to develop or achieve. In each instance, these competencies or outcomes encompass a wide range of areas such as cognitive, social, civic, cultural, spiritual, vocational, physical, emotional, mental, personal, moral, or intellectual development. Based on its research of existing definitions, NCWD/Youth has adopted the following working definition of youth development adapted from NYEC and National Collaboration for Youth: youth development is a process which prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressiveseries of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. Positive youth development addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to deficit-based models that focus solely on youth problems.
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/topic/youth-development
DEFINITIONS OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT typically characterize it as a process or approach in which young people become competent or develop competencies necessary to be successful and meet challenges (Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; National Collaboration for Youth, 2003; Pittman, 1991; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995). Most definitions also identify either specific desired outcomes that young people need to achieve or critical tasks they must accomplish in order to achieve these positive outcomes (Astroth, Brown, Poore, & Timm, 2002; US Department of Heath and Human Services, 1996; Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995; Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989). The Search Institute’s definition differs slightly in its focus on assets, defined as factors – both internal and external – that promote positive development; however, its explanation of youth development covers similar developmental needs and challenges as other definitions (Search Institute, 1996). Most sources identify similar and overlapping competencies and outcomes that young people need to develop or achieve. In each instance, these competencies or outcomes encompass a wide range of areas such as cognitive, social, civic, cultural, spiritual, vocational, physical, emotional, mental, personal, moral, or intellectual development. Based on its research of existing definitions, NCWD/Youth has adopted the following working definition of youth development adapted from NYEC and National Collaboration for Youth: youth development is a process which prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressiveseries of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. Positive youth development addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to deficit-based models that focus solely on youth problems.
THE CONCEPT OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP was also examined with the goal of identifying a working definition. Some definitions of youth leadership describe it as the ability to lead others or get others to work together toward a common goal or vision (Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 2003; US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996; National Order of the Arrow, 1992; Wing
Span Youth Empowerment Services, n.d.). More often than not, definitions of youth leadership focused on the ability to lead oneself and work with others, while not necessarily influencing others to act (ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, 1990; Youth Leadership Support Network, n.d.; Urban Think Tank Institute, 2002;.Karnes & Bean, 1997). Definitions frequently characterize youth leadership as the ability to envision a goal or needed change, to take initiative or action to achieve the goal, to take responsibility for outcomes, and to work well with, relate to, and communicate effectively with others. In the review of definitions, it has become apparent that youth leadership can be defined as both an internal and external capability. Therefore, NCWD/Youth has chosen to adopt a two-part working definition of youth leadership, as follows: youth leadership is (1) “The ability to guide or direct others on a course of action, influence the opinion and behavior of other people, and show the way by going in advance” (Wehmeyer, Agran, & Hughes, 1998); and (2) “the ability to analyze one's own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem to carry them out. It includes the ability to identify community resources and use them, not only to live independently, but also to establish support networks to participate in community life and to effect positive social change” (Adolescent Employment Readiness Center, Children’s Hospital, n.d.).
