A: From the very beginning, motivation grows when youth feel their expertise, creativity, and capacity to create positive change are recognized. Our research shows that when facilitators intentionally uphold young people’s strengths and potential, youth feel more empowered and better equipped to take action.   Aim to recognize each young person’s unique skills and play to them, breaking tasks into manageable pieces, setting tangible goals, and celebrating wins along the way. [...]

A: Explore your community network (there are activities in the program that do just that) to identify people with whom you or the youth have a good relationship or around whom they would feel comfortable. Think about the type of ally the group would most benefit from. Introduce allies that value and respect young people, who will treat them as equal partners, and provide the support they need to speak [...]

A: As youth consider their change tactic options, encourage them to:  Consider what feels realistic and achievable within their timeline, resources, and capacity.  Test out different approaches (there is no single “right” tactic. Exploring different possibilities is an important part of the learning process.)  Draw on allies’ advice and expertise. Identify existing opportunities and aim to leverage current momentum.   The curriculum is designed to guide youth (and you!) through exploring [...]