National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education and Families

Engaging youth in local government is more than just a good-will gesture to a community’s young people; it is an essential element of vibrant and thriving communities. However, the process of building or reenergizing civic engagement programs for youth can be a challenge, so The Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF) has created a manual, culminating a year of research, to guide civic leaders.

Authentic Youth Civic Engagement (AYCE) empowers youth to confront real issues and influence change. The AYCE framework lays out four critical elements in this process: laying the groundwork and welcoming youth to local government, building a supportive structure, creating meaningful opportunities, and building supportive youth-adult partnerships. The guide also identifies best practices, critical actions, and methods of assessment.

For municipal leaders who may not be entirely convinced of the advantages of youth engagement the guide highlights some of the benefits including budget savings, support for city initiatives, and improved well-being of the community’s youth. Ultimately, youth involvement in local policy, planning, and decision-making is a valuable arrangement for youth, municipal leaders, and the community at-large.

http://www.nlc.org/iyef/