Understanding Youth Power

Let's Do This

Youth power is the ability of young people to exercise authority and influence over their own lives and the world at large. Young people are often undervalued as talents that can contribute significantly to their communities.  As caring adults, we can support and encourage them to do so!

By genuinely listening to young people, adults can champion youth power and help amplify the impact of youth advocates.  Young people are personally and socially motivated to see progress on issues of concern that will greatly impact their futures and they bring invaluable perspectives and energy to advocacy work!

Stay Inspired

Check out these two resources from MENTOR to learn more about how you can support youth power and encourage the young people in your life to become advocates for causes they are passionate about:

• The Growth Mindset for Mentors: a way of thinking and interacting that
  centers young people and allows mentors and other caring adults to be partners in their journey. 
• Youth-Led Advocacy Guide:  a practical tool for youth mentoring programs, youth-serving organizations, and current and aspiring youth advocates looking to establish and expand effective youth-led advocacy activities and initiatives.