“How do we build skills in young people?" Laurie Jo Wallace, presenter of “Youth Engagement: Involving Young People In Our Work” asked the afternoon group. Team Los Angeles said they engaged youth in working on a theatre program for HIV including college students as mentors. Another partner said their project included the creation of a PSA for HIV prevention, without a script.“Understanding and engaging youth at all levels is a practical strategy to connect with them,” said Laurie Jo. She defined youth as ages 10-20. She offered some suggestions to learn more about youth culture, “Ask questions, understand social media like Facebook and texting and keep an open mind.”
The strategies for youth empowerment include involving youth in planning, implementing and evaluating. The key to building relationships with youth are: provide structures for one-to-one interaction; offer food; allow time for team building; make time to get to know them and really listen; forgive mistakes; and have fun and laugh.
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