The science behind youth prevention and leadership development programs prove that young people can and do make a positive impact on themselves, their peers and the community.  Research shows that when young people are supported by adults and given the opportunity to actively participate in community-wide decision-making, they successfully help to implement change at various levels.  We are happy to highlight various resources and research relevant to youth led prevention and leadership development. Check back for regular updates.

Resources: Supportive resources designed to help encourage and promote youth led prevention and leadership development.

Websites: Helpful websites which promote positive youth development and community engagement.

Research: Journal articles supporting the involvement and engagment of youth in a youth led prevention and leadership development model, initiative or activity.

Altman, D., & Feighery, E. (2004). Future directions for youth empowerment: Commentary on application of youth empowerment theory for tobacco control. Heath Education and Behavior, 31 (641), 641-647.

Brennan, M. A., & Barnett, R. V. (2009). Bridging community and youth development: Exploring theory, research, and application.Community Development, 40, 305-310.

Brennan, M. A., Barnett, R. V., & Baugh, E. (2007). Youth involvement in community development: Implications and possibilities for extension. Journal of Extension, 45 (4), 203-213.

Brennan, M. A., Barnett, R. V., & Lesmeister, M. (2007). Enhancing local capacity and youth involvement in the community development process. Journal of Community Development, 38 (4), 13-27.

Brennan, M. A., Barnett, R. V., & McGrath, B. (2009). The intersection of youth and community development in Ireland and Florida: Building stronger communities through youth civic engagement. Community Development, 40, 331-345.

Crooks, C. V., Chiodo, D., & Thomas, D. (2010). Strengths-based programing for first nations youth in schools: Building engagement through healthy relationships and leadership skills. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 8 (160), 160-173.

Helgeson, S., & Schneider, D. (2015). Authentic community-based youth engagement: Lessons from across the nation and through the lens of violence prevention. National Civic Review, 104(3), 16-23.

Kaye, C., Lynne, R., & Murphy, P. (2011). Attachment theory and primary caregiving. Journal of Early Childhood, 8 (4), 16-20.

Ludden, A. B. (2011). Engagement in school and community civic activities in rural adolescents. Journal of Youth Violence, 40, 1254-1270.

Matthews, T. L., Hempel, L. M., & Howell, F. M. (2010). Gender and transmission of civic engagement: Assessing the influence of youth civic activity. Sociological Inquiry, 80 (3), 448-474.

Pearrow, M.M. (2008). A critical examination of an urban-based youth empowerment strategy: The teen empowerment program. Journal of Community Practice, 16 (4), 509-525.

Wilson, N., Minkler, M., Dasho, S., Wallerstein, N. & Martin, A. (2008). Getting to social action: The youth empowerment strategies (YES!) project. Heath Promotion Practice, 9, 395-403.