Browse > Home / Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

  • Lay the groundwork for an on-going commitment to engage young people in the civic life of the community.
  • Instill in young people a sense of stake, ownership and enfranchisement in the community and in the larger society.
  • Engage young people in issues of consequence to the community.
  • Value the contributions young people can make now to community life, not just as future citizens.
  • Provide young people and adults with the skills, tools, networks and support they need to work together effectively.
  • Increase the visibility of young people involved in public work and heighten society’s appreciation of young people’s contributions.
  • Contribute to a culture of respect, partnership, and shared responsibility between youth and adults.
  • Engage young people in the design, planning and evaluation of civic engagement activities.
  • Establish positions of authority and responsibility for young people in priority-setting and other decision-making processes.
  • Bring together young people from diverse backgrounds; ethnicities and areas of the community and to incorporate positive youth development principles and practices.
  • Develop an effective, coordinated and holistic response to the issues facing young men and women.