You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz around the terms “youth voice” and “youth-driven programming.” Yeah, you think, those words sound pretty good. Our afterschool program is for the kids, after all. But what exactly do we need to think about when it comes to youth voice? How do we know if what we provide is actually youth-driven?
Let’s start with a definition. In youth-driven programs, children and youth have a voice, that voice is heard, and it matters.
You may be thinking, “That sounds great, but what does it mean for a typical day at our afterschool program? And why is it so important?”
What does YDP look like?
For starters, afterschool programs (led by their directors) have faith that young people can and should shape their afterschool experiences. In order to allow youth to shape these experiences, the program structure has a certain level of flexibility.
Of course, programs rely on the skills of their staff to support youth-driven programming. This means that staff know not only when to step in to support the young people in their program, but also when to step out to allow young people to find their own way. When they strike this balance, staff facilitate the learning, growth, increased independence and decision-making that together help children and youth have a meaningful say in what happens during their afterschool experiences. 
Last but not least, think about what youth-driven programming means from the kids’ perspective. Children and youth feel respected and they respect the program, the staff, each other, and the decision-making and leadership processes. Children and youth are involved in program decision-making, and they’re present and ready at the right times to voice their ideas and concerns.
Youth-driven programming can take the form of big projects…
But youth-driven programming also happens during smaller, day-to-day interactions…
No matter what youth-driven programming looks like in your program, what’s most important is that children and youth have a voice, that voice is heard, and it matters!
Why is YDP so important?
It feels like the right thing to do, but why is youth voice and supporting youth-driven programming so important for the kids we serve?
For starters, you want your kids to like their afterschool program. You want them to come back, day after day, to take advantage of all the amazing resources and supports you provide to them. The better of a match the program is to the interests and needs of its young people, the more those young people will want to be there. You can create this match by getting to know the kids in your program and by listening to and understanding their voices.
But there’s more. When you listen to the children and youth in your program, you show that you care. It gives kids a safe place to share who they are, feel connected, develop interests, and take risks.
And finally, kids learn a lot more when they are included in decision-making. Youth-driven programming supports problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills that are critical to helping children and youth confidently navigate the challenges of growing up.
Please click here for Youth Driven Programming Resources.
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