NCJ Number
160080
Date Published
1990
Length
84 pages
Annotation
Youth as Resources (YAR) is a model of youth empowerment and youth leadership in community service that includes all youth, addresses any social or community issue, and provides opportunities for a wide range of agencies to host or benefit from youth service projects.
Abstract
The National Crime Prevention Council established YAR programs in three Indiana cities (Evansville, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis). Boards comprised of local adults and young people were established and youth-led service projects were funded. Based on 150 projects in which more than 3,000 young people participated, youth gained a deeper understanding of their stake and role in the community, adults changed their attitudes toward youth, communities improved, and policies and procedures of community organizations were changed to take advantage of young people's capabilities and desires to help. YAR proved that young people thrived on responsibility and challenge. Communities gained in highly tangible ways, such as playgrounds for day care centers, a new fairground picnic area, three aviaries, a new library at a community church, a playroom for children of homeless families in a shelter, and a nature and fitness trail for special needs children. The development of the YAR concept and its impact on youth policy are described. Conclusions and lessons from YAR experiences in Indiana are offered, and ways in which other communities can benefit from the YAR concept are suggested. Stories of actual programs in each of the three cities are included. An appendix contains interview questions used to evaluate YAR and an attitudes and beliefs survey form.