Integrating Positive Youth Development: Insights From International Youth Development Programming

Authors

  • John E. Lindsay International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Shannon McGarry International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Assem Satmukhambetova International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Katie Raymond International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Arafat Lesheve International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Sarah Jonson International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Hafez Neeno International Youth Foundation (IYF)
  • Cheradee Williams Step Forward NLA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2021.1037

Keywords:

youth engagement, cross-sectoral outcomes, positive youth development (PYD), systems-based approaches, capacity building

Abstract

Effective international youth development programs go beyond single-issue interventions—they leverage the entire organization and project life cycle to advance positive youth outcomes. This paper illustrates how positive youth development (PYD) approaches can be adapted for and applied by organizations to promote positive outcomes for young people and communities globally. The article provides 6 insights from the International Youth Foundation’s (IYF) application of PYD principles across diverse youth development programs. Moreover, the authors present practical insights into what is required by practitioners, regardless of geographic boundaries, to effectively engage with, support, and meet the needs of youth and young adults whom they serve. Finally, the article argues that practitioners and funders need to find new ways to measure and value PYD investments and that funders need to make PYD integral across their funding streams.

References

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Burkhard, B. M., Robinson, K. M., Murray, E. D., & Lerner, R. M. (2020). Positive youth development: Theory and perspective. In S. Hupp and J. Jewell (Eds.), The encyclopedia of child and adolescent development. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119171492.wecad310

Hart, R., 1992. Children's participation. UNICEF International Child Development Centre.

Lee, T. Y., Cheung, C. K., & Kwong, W. M. (2012). Resilience as a positive youth development construct: A conceptual review. The Scientific World Journal, Article ID 390450, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/390450

Lerner, R. M., Lerner J. V., & Colleagues. (2016). The positive development of youth: Comprehensive findings from the 4-H study of positive youth development. Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University. https://4-h.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/4-H-Study-of-Positive-Youth-Development-Full-Report.pdf

Sanders, J., Munford, R., Thimasarn-Anwar, T., Liebenberg, L., & Ungar, M. (2015). The role of positive youth development practices in building resilience and enhancing wellbeing for at-risk youth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 42, 40-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.02.006

Ward, R. L., Carter, T., & Siddiq, N. (2019). The role of positive youth development, educational policy, and cultural relevancy in school settings. EJournal of Public Affairs. www.ejournalofpublicaffairs.org/the-role-of-positive-youth-development-educational-policy-and-cultural-relevancy-in-school-settings/

YouthPower2. (n.d.). Positive youth development (PYD) framework. Retrieved September 10, 2020, from https://www.youthpower.org/positive-youth-development-pyd-framework

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Published

2021-07-14

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2-3 (2021): Special Issue on International Positive Youth Development

Section

Special Issue Articles

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