Involving young people in your community group

Community groups at any level are often keen to make sure they are representative of their own communities and membership base but often overlook one of the great recruiting grounds for volunteers and community-conscious people who are prepared to work hard to bring about change – our youth.

While some community leaders are sometimes dubious about bringing young people into the leadership loop, the benefits of attracting them to your cause are many. As well as energy, enthusiasm, creativity and time, young people generally are often better able to adapt and embrace change. They also know how your group can be more relevant to people in their own age group.

Engaging the services and support of young people can also go a long way to ensuring the future of your organisation. If you are not recruiting the next generation of leaders and interested persons, then it is very likely that your cause/organisation will end when its current members move on.

It is also about helping to prepare the next generation of leaders; although anyone that has worked closely with young people who are prepared to stand up and get involved in local community groups finds the learning is definitely a two-way street. Often young people will challenge traditional ways of operating – and often with good reason, if the methods of operation haven't evolved while the local circumstances and the marketplace has.

It is important in engaging younger people in your group that they are treated with respect and as equals among adults. There is no point inviting young people to sit on your Board or Committee, only to dismiss their views or refuse to give them with the same weight as those of more experienced or older Committee members. Young people should have an equal say/equal vote on community issues.

And, if your organisation provides services to young people, then it is absolutely imperative that they are represented at the top level and are involved in the planning process and have input in determining the most relevant policies and solutions. As many organisations have discovered, the best solutions are to be found when all stakeholders have some ownership of the issue, the solution and the method in which the solution is applied. On most occasions, the best people to ask about what interests, attracts and motivates other young people are young people themselves.

Why should you involve young people in your community group?

There are also significant advantages of having young people on board right now, including:

• An injection of energy that can help re-invigorate a group.
• The addition of fresh and creative ideas and a different perspective on most issues – and how to communicate that to a new audience.
• Creating a diversity of experience and skills and the ability to use new technologies to spread your message and work.
• A greater level of flexibility and adaptability to make the most of new technologies and trends.
• A greater level of inclusion to ensure your group is truly representative of various community interest groups at both a formal and informal level.
• A bridge to the next generation of community leaders that helps ensure the future of your group.
• Access to expertise on issues and challenges facing youth and the things that matter to them.
• Access to new networks, which in turn may mean your organisation will grow and gain increased community support.

What do you need to be aware of?

When enlisting the help of young people you also need to ensure your organisational procedures accommodate youth involvement. You might need to incorporate more flexible working conditions to suit their needs, or modify your training programs so they do not feel like they are stuck in a school-type environment.

A community group also needs to qualify why they need more young people and how they can best utilise their skills. Young people need to feel like their contribution is worthwhile, otherwise there is little point in them being there. If you are asking them to take on a position of responsibility, then give them the responsibility – don't make it a pseudo position.

Some tips when recruiting young people:

• Appoint a youth coordinator to take responsibility for the young members.
• Set up a mentoring program within the organisation, so all members have the opportunity to work with older/younger people and swap knowledge and skills.
• Identify the areas where youth involvement would be best utilised.
• Set clear goals and guidelines so the young person understands their duties and where they fit within the organisation.
• Adapt the organisation's procedures where necessary to accommodate younger people.
• Ask young people what they want to do. Offer flexible jobs. Give their ideas a go and allow them to act on their suggestions.
• Conduct an orientation and screening process so the needs of both the young person and the organisation can be met.
• Make sure there is sufficient feedback and encouragement to maintain enthusiasm.
• Ensure all younger members are aware of relevant health and safety laws.
• Where necessary, ensure there is parental/guardian consent (and keep it on record).
• Make sure your youth members are aware of all your reporting structures and any emergency plans, risk management plans, and who their supervisor is so they can speak to them if they have any suggestions/complaints/problems.
• Appoint appropriate tasks to young people and don't place them in a dangerous or difficult situation.
• Budget for any organisational change – training, time, catering, etc.
• Sell the benefits of recruiting young people to all your members. People brought into an unhappy environment are unlikely to stick around.

How do you attract younger volunteers?

Ask yourself: why would a young person want to be involved in our group? You might need to:

• Review your recruitment strategies. How have you found support in the past? Can your methods be directed towards youth?
• Review your marketing and communications. Does your marketing speak to youth? Would they know your organisation even exists?
• Review your advertising. Make sure you put information in places where a young person might read it. Target youth publications like the street presses, music magazines, etc.
• Tell the people who are most interested. Let your established membership and supporter base know that you are seeking youth involvement – exercise the "word-of-mouth" option. Your members might know some young people who would be keen to get involved.
• Talk to schools, universities and other youth groups in the area. Put signs up on their noticeboards.
• Use the free Board Matching service at www.ourcommunity.com.au/board-match. If you're looking for young people to serve on your Board or Committee, you can make this known in your listing.

How do you keep young people involved?

Most people leave groups or become disenchanted when there is poor organisation, poor supervision, or where they feel they are left to do unsatisfying or unsuitable jobs.

And like any other volunteer, young people need to be confident their contribution is not a token one and that it is recognised and appreciated. To ensure this occurs groups can:

• Assess programs regularly and ensure you seek feedback from younger members/volunteers/leaders.
• Consult widely if you plan to make changes.
• Ensure younger people are represented throughout the organisation and that there are opportunities for them to develop within the organisation.
• Provide training or mentoring for younger people to keep improving their skills and to show they are valued.
• Ensure that younger people are afforded the same respect as others. Don't talk "at" or "down" to younger people.
• Make young people are aware of how their help is contributing to the community group.
• Ensure there is open communication, that young people have access to all decision-makers and that there is a process for their suggestions to be heard.
• Value all your members (see the Valuing Volunteers help sheet for ideas on how you can do this).

Click here for more help sheets.