Over two days, participants at the Engaging Youth in Designing Healthier Communities Summit explored the importance of youth empowerment and strategies for supporting youth-led healthier community initiatives. Following the first day of presentations, activities, and discussions, participants were asked to reflect on key takeaways, “aha” moments, and how the experience was shaping their perspectives on youth engagement and empowerment. The reflections below highlight some of those responses.
Things Participants Learned
When asked what they learned during the summit, participants highlighted a variety of concepts, tools, and strategies related to youth engagement and community change. Several reflections focused on the importance of listening to youth and engaging them meaningfully in decision-making processes.
Participants shared lessons such as:
- “Youth engagement is most effective when they feel heard and included.”
- “We don’t know what we don’t ask.”
- “Who isn’t in the room?”
- “Consult before acting.”
Others reflected on practical concepts and approaches introduced throughout the summit, including Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change, Hart’s Ladder of Participation, pilot testing, readiness, and community planning. Participants also noted the importance of using available resources, thinking creatively, and recognizing that community development is not always a linear process.
Aha Moments
Participants also reflected on moments that shifted their thinking or reinforced key ideas.
For some, these moments centered on readiness and the importance of thoughtful planning before taking action.
- “Readiness. Yes, we talk a lot about it, but sometimes folks at the managerial level don’t realize that if we push forward with some programs we will be passing down problems for a future generation. Pumping the brakes on something is not necessarily a bad thing.”
Others reflected on the importance of trusting youth and embracing flexibility.
- “Messy is okay. Let them lead.”
- “It does not have to be a big project.”
Participants also recognized the value of seeking youth perspectives and paying attention to what young people notice in their communities.
- “We don’t know what we don’t ask. As an adult we are so in our head, we’re thinking we have all of these things to do. It’s your kids in the backseat that are noticing their world around them.”
Shifts in Perspective
The summit also prompted participants to consider how their views of youth engagement and empowerment may have changed.
Several reflections focused on the role adults play in supporting youth leadership.
- “For this to work correctly, I have to let go of the control.”
- “Feeding youth information isn’t empowerment.”
- “Do with, not for.”
Participants also reflected on the importance of giving youth opportunities to lead, learn, and sometimes fail.
- “Reinforced they are capable.”
- “Give them responsibility. It’s okay if we fail.”
- “Everything isn’t going to work out. It’s good for youth to see that throughout life, not everything is going to work.”
Others noted the importance of assessing readiness, recognizing obstacles as part of the process, and helping youth stay engaged from beginning to end.
Putting Learning into Practice
As attendees considered how they might apply what they learned, many identified specific ways they could support youth empowerment in their communities.
Participants shared ideas such as:
- Hosting workshops that involve youth in community projects and decision-making.
- Creating environments where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered.
- Offering opportunities for youth to network and build relationships with community organizations.
- Inviting youth to participate in meetings with stakeholders and community leaders.
- Supporting collaborative projects where youth and adults work together toward shared goals.
- Creating opportunities for youth to contribute to and lead community change efforts through local programs and organizations.
These reflections provide a snapshot of the learning that occurred throughout the summit and the many ways participants hope to support youth engagement and empowerment moving forward.
Author’s Note: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used to support drafting and editing. The author reviewed all content for accuracy and is responsible for the final text.
