FROM DO YOU
TO DO SOMETHING:
using community-level prevention strategies as part of DO YOU programming!
The Funders’ Collaborative on Youth Organizing (FCYO) defines youth organizing as engaging “young people in building power for social change” and using “distinct sets of culturally and contextually resonant practices to develop youth leadership within a safe and supportive environment.” Youth Organizing values youth-adult partnerships, respects youth voices, promotes holistic development, and creates a pipeline where young people can continue meaningful community leadership.
While we do not see DO YOU as a “Youth Organizing” curriculum, we do see it as a tool for people to utilize as they move through the Youth Engagement Continuum seen below and graphically adapted from FCYO. We see DO YOU as a stepping stone from Youth Development during the 10 sessions (which when facilitated with best practices should meet young people were they are, provide opportunities for growth, emphasize positive self-identity, and create access to a caring adult & safe space) to Youth Leadership with DO SOMETHING that emphasizes the teens taking the reins (with appropriate adult support and guidance) to understand the issues their communities face, create and implement a community project, and build their capacities to be leaders in their communities.
