The California Center for Civic Participation offers Youth Voices in Community Design, “a how-to guide on getting youth involved in local policymaking and community planning.”

The handbook is primarily directed toward planners, local and state government officials, nonprofit organizations, and educators at the high school and college levels. However, just about anyone in the public or private sector looking to engage youth in their communities will find it useful.

Youth Voices in Community Design excels in both organization of information and the sheer amount of tips, activities, concepts, and articles it provides. The 200-plus page online library of resources that accompanies the handbook is an added bonus.

The handbook is available in html format, divided into chapters, and also as a large, whole PDF file. It not only gives details on the processes of youth engagement, but gives background information such as an introduction to community planning and the benefits and challenges of youth engagement. Like any well-written handbook of its kind, Youth Voices in Community Design also includes case studies.

APA provided support in the creation of this comprehensive publication, which was released in 2004.

For more information, visit the the California Center for Civic Participation website.