Youth participation provides perspectives and input that can improve plans, especially with regard to the needs and issues most relevant to adolescence. When programs targeting youth do not involve them in the development and decision-making process, they risk developing strategies that do not work and waste valuable resources.1 Public Health Youth Councils (PHYCs) give young people an opportunity to exercise their voice in decisions that may directly impact them.
Research supports the value of youth involvement, not just for the youth, but for adults and organizations, too.2 Professionals become more aware of the issues youth face and are better equipped to respond to them. Organizations become more representative, diverse and inclusive. When youth and adults combine their energy, expertise, and resources in collective action, the outcome is thriving communities that work for youth, adults and families.3
PHYC Benefits for Youth:
PHYC Benefits for Professionals and Organizations:
1. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. (2009). Take action! Incorporating Positive Youth Development. Retrieved from http://www.colorado.gov
2. Kahn, R., Lynn, J., Braga, A., Hoxworth, T., & Donovan, K. (2008). Engage Youth! Colorado’s Guide to Building Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships. Denver, CO: Colorado Youth Partnership for Health, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
3. Petrokubi, J. & Zeldin, S. (2015). Promoting Thriving Youth and Communities through Youth-Adult Partnership. Youth Development & Evaluation, Education Northwest Portland, Oregon. Retrieved from http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthadultpartnership/files/2015/08/MYC-Public-Report-Final.pdf.
For more information, contact Brittany Mathenia, Healthy Youth Consultant 405-271-4471 ext. 56905 or BrittanyM@health.ok.gov.