Involving youth in their communities not only promotes individual resilience, or the strength to overcome factors that lead to early delinquency and violence, but also gives youth the opportunity to develop important skills and become valuable community resources. A growing body of research demonstrates that youth who do not have an opportunity to connect with positive adult role models in their communities are more likely to fail academically, engage in early risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking and drug use, and become involved in the juvenile justice system. Therefore, creating new and interesting ways for youth to get involved, through community action teams, service learning projects, youth advisory committees, or a host of other programs, can be an important, and effective, means for preventing youth violence.

Youth have incredible energy, creativity and ingenuity that all communities can benefit from. Moreover, youth can offer a valuable perspective on educational and family needs that help communities better plan for the future and utilize their existing assets. Unfortunately, most communities do not benefit from this vitality, in many cases simply because they do not know the best ways of getting youth involved.

Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help both youth and adults in bringing youth and communities together. The following links offer just a few examples of the types of assistance available to help start a community-youth partnership where you live:

At the Table
http://www.atthetable.org/

Youth as Resources
http://www.cyar.org/

Youth Development Training and Resource Center 
The Consultation Center at Yale
http://www.theconsultationcenter.org/ydtrc/home.htm

Youth on Board
http://www.youthonboard.org/

These sites include valuable resources, guides, technical assistance and training for youth and communities.