By Deb Bicknell
At the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) we have a group of young people who help to plan all aspects of our events, a youth planning team, or YPT, as we fondly call it. The group has varied in size over the years, but for the past five years youth from across the state gather faithfully (or sometimes not) to help plan. At MYAN we often talk about sharing power between youth and adults and we believe that creating a more balanced relationship of power is a an essential part of effective youth and adult partnership. YPT is one of the places at MYAN where we get to “walk our talk.” We get to experience first hand various barriers to this and to practice sharing power. Here are some tips and thoughts, from my perspective, that have come in part from these experiences.
1. Be willing. Examining the places and ways that you and you don’t feel comfortable sharing power is an important and valuable step.
2. Be honest. Sometimes we have requirements or other external constraints that prohibit us from sharing the amount of power we might want. Being honest and clear about decision making practices, and who has power to make decisions is really helpful to share.
3. Notice language. Use of acronyms and any kind of language that is common to a closed community can create barriers. Be sure to take time to explain terminology as it comes up and to ask when you don’t understand terms that others are using.
4. Offer tools, let go. Sharing power is not about “just letting youth do it.” Offer tools that will support success and leadership and then be willing to let youth take the reigns from there.
5. Be patient. Sharing power effectively in youth adult partnerships takes time and can sometimes be a frustrating and/or baffling experience. You do not have to do it perfectly. See #6 for help with this.
6. Make mistakes and admit it. This can be a powerful step for adults and it can also help to build trust and respect between youth and adult partners. Often youth see adults as “knowing it all” or at least thinking they do, and adults can feel like they need to play this role. Breaking down roles and assumptions between the two groups also assists with building healthy and meaningful connection.
7. Build trust. We all know that trust is a cornerstone to healthy relationships and ultimately youth and adult partnerships are about healthy, respectful, authentic relationships.
8. Seek support. If you or your group is interested in collaborating with youth it is a good idea to get some sort of training or support. We often hear people talking about getting support and help for the youth who are joining an adult committee or group but it really is a two way street.
This is not a comprehensive list but more an invitation for the reader to think about how you share power with youth. Good luck, have fun – the benefits are absolutely worth it.
By Deb Bicknell is the Training and Projects Coordinator at Maine Youth Action Network(MYAN)and a Guest Blogger.
