About the Field
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Youth work is a complex and dynamic practice that reflects a long tradition of engaging young people of all ages with adults in community-based opportunities to learn, practice and grow. Research shows that there are certain approaches and practices in youth work that are most likely to result in a positive impact. They are:
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Watch a clip of a 1994 interview with Dr. Gisela Konopka.
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Resources.
The organizations, writings, and information linked below offer a variety of perspectives and practices for direct-service youth workers and leaders to consider in their practice, procedures and policies. This list is by no means exhaustive and we invite youth workers to recommend additional contributions via our contact page.
MinnesotaRequirements for Health Development
of Adolescent Youth Written by Minnesota researcher Gisela Konopka in 1973, this publication asserts the human rights held to be essential to the healthy development of young people:
The Search Institute
Creators of the 40 Developmental Assets, a framework for youth development that has been used across the country. Center for Youth Development The University of Minnesota Extension Service provides a variety of trainings and resources for practitioners and policy makers. Ignite Afterschool Advocates for policy and practice that promotes quality in Minnesota's afterschool community. Sprockets Sprockets is a network of afterschool and summer programs for youth in St. Paul. Youth Intervention Prevention Association YIPA is a state-wide training and advocacy organization that supports youth workers working in prevention and intervention programs. |
United StatesAfterschool Alliance
The Alliance is a advocacy group that works to ensure all youth have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs. National Institute on Out-of-School Time Works to advance the work of the field through research, training, advocacy and tools. Youth Today A newspaper focused on best practices in out-of-school time and intervention/prevention work. Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development Offers training and consultants, as well as tools, activities and research to support quality youth work practice. The Forum for Youth Investment Provides leaders with the information tools and services to move their work forward. Weikert Center for Quality Youth Programming Developers of the Youth Program Quality Assessment, a widely used tool used to assess quality of out-of-school time programs. |
International
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
According to UNICEF, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, is the most rapidly and widely ratified human rights treaty in history. There are only two countries in the world who have not signed on to this agreement: the United States and South Sudan.
The Evolving Capacities of the Child
Another foundational resource created by UNICEF.
In Defence of Youth Work
A campaign that began in England in 2009 to better articulate the value and purpose of youth work.
Infed
An online resource for critical thought regarding youth work, youth development, and social pedagogy based in England.
Creators Not Consumers: Rediscovering Social Education
An online booklet that unpacks the notion of social education and the role of youth and adults in informal learning environments.
Council of Europe Publishing Catalogue
The Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, France, has been working since 1949 to build a Europe united on the basis of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Two sections of their publishing catalogue, linked below, are dedicated to publications focused on youth participation and resources for young people.
According to UNICEF, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, is the most rapidly and widely ratified human rights treaty in history. There are only two countries in the world who have not signed on to this agreement: the United States and South Sudan.
The Evolving Capacities of the Child
Another foundational resource created by UNICEF.
In Defence of Youth Work
A campaign that began in England in 2009 to better articulate the value and purpose of youth work.
Infed
An online resource for critical thought regarding youth work, youth development, and social pedagogy based in England.
Creators Not Consumers: Rediscovering Social Education
An online booklet that unpacks the notion of social education and the role of youth and adults in informal learning environments.
Council of Europe Publishing Catalogue
The Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, France, has been working since 1949 to build a Europe united on the basis of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Two sections of their publishing catalogue, linked below, are dedicated to publications focused on youth participation and resources for young people.
- Youth Participation