Youth Engagement: A Celebration Across Time and Culture - A Discussion Guide

Published by the Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development, this guide is written for the facilitators of community-based discussions with youth and adults interested in leadership and community change. It emerged from a gathering held in the United States (US) on October 17 2005, which drew 115 young people, adults, and elders from across the country to celebrate and explore 75 years of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's grant-making. This discussion guide captures the group's sharing of diverse, creative, and courageous strategies for youth and adults to achieve positive social change. Its purpose is to inspire the development of youth-adult partnerships for community change by helping people sit down and talk about the power of this approach.

Like the event that inspired it, this guide is divided into three sections:

1. Rhythms of the Past
2. Relationships of the Present
3. Results of the Future
   

Facilitators are strongly encouraged to adapt and improve the tools to fit their work and their community. Tips for facilitators are offered; for instance, suggestions and resources are provided that are meant to help the leader establish and discuss group norms for conversation that ensure that everyone feels comfortable, respected, and valued.