Youth Issues

Youth Voices: Engaging Young People in Dialogue and Problem Solving

Overview Success Stories Resources News Articles

Many tough public issues - from crime to racial tension to substance abuse - directly involve and affect young people. But too often youth are absent from discussions on these issues.

Dialogue-to-change programs help people build the trusting relationships necessary for long-term change. People from diverse backgrounds and experiences develop trust, understand each other's experiences, and work together on solutions.

Read profiles of programs working on youth issues

Success Stories

Neighborhoods and people of faith power dialogue and action in Indianapolis

A number of dialogue-to-change efforts and other community initiatives are under way in Indianapolis neighborhoods and churches, helping to unite and empower adults and youth. Read more

Neighborhoods and people of faith power dialogue and action in Indianapolis

Churches put their faith in students

P.E. 101: Making Physical Fitness a Priority for Teens

All success stories...

Resources

Story Booklet: Vermont: Where deep-rooted democratic traditions open the way for study circles

Organizing, Assistance and Evaluation Material: Organizing Study Circles With Young People

Comprehensive Discussion Guide: Youth Issues, Youth Voices: A Guide for Engaging Youth and Adults in Public Dialogue and Problem Solving

Comprehensive Discussion Guide: A Community for All Generations - Teens and Adults Working Together discussion guide

Comprehensive Discussion Guide: Reaching Across Boundaries: Talk to Create Change (A Mix It Up Handbook, 3rd Edition)

Organizing, Assistance and Evaluation Material: A Guide for Training Public Dialogue Facilitators

All resources...

News Articles

November 16, 2009 | National Social Studies Supervisors Association's fall 2009 Leader Journal Montgomery County, Md., Public Schools take hands-on approach to civic education Montgomery County, Md.: Where the Public Schools are Taking a Hands-on Approach to Civic Education
by John Landesman and Molly Holme Barrett

September 21, 2009 | New Haven 2020 Blog | New Haven, Connecticut New Haven 2020: What's happening this fall?

July 5, 2009 | The Times | Munster, Indiana Minorities up in local suburban schools
by Carmen McCollum

All news articles...

Success Stories

Neighborhoods and people of faith power dialogue and action in Indianapolis

A number of dialogue-to-change efforts and other community initiatives are under way in Indianapolis neighborhoods and churches, helping to unite and empower adults and youth. Read more

Churches put their faith in students

In Kansas City, Kan., an Adopt-A-School program fostered by KCK Study Circles is pairing local schools and nearby churches to give students better after-school choices and opportunities for community involvement. Read more

P.E. 101: Making Physical Fitness a Priority for Teens

While the rising rate of obesity in young people makes national headlines, East Central High School in Tulsa, Okla., is working with students through its Teen Tulsa Talks program to create a school environment that encourages and supports healthy habits. Read more

Changing the world, a little bit at a time

On a blustery March day, in Kenosha, Wis., more than 350 high school students took part in the “Diversity Circles in Action” conference to confront racism and embrace diversity. Read more

Helping her peers Mix It Up at school

A school of more than 2,600 students isn’t the easiest place to stand out—or fit in. But Amy Bondoc, a recent graduate of Bear Creek High School in Stockton, California, made a niche for herself when she became an organizer of the school’s Mix It Up program. Read more

Mobilizing students for the future

In spring 2004, Johnnie Ellison took part in “Community Conversations about Education”—study circles organized by Austin Voices and the Youth Mobilizers. Ellison says she stayed with it because she found her views were taken seriously. “I was so amazed they wanted youth input,” she recalls. Read more

Leading and thriving in a diverse community

For Brenda De León, study circles represent “a life-changing experience.” And Moises Padilla says he learned many things in study circles that he can take on to college and a business career. For both graduates of the Lexington High School Class of 2005, taking part in the process was an exciting new way to learn more about how others view the world. Read more

Camden, Maine, tries to create a community for every generation

Morale was low in the five-town community of Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Appleton, and Hope, Maine, following several destructive incidents involving teens. To rebuild community ties and find ways to support its young people, concerned residents and parents decided to take action through study circles. Read more

Winona, Minnesota, study circles tackle alcohol abuse

In the past five years, nine Winona college students died of alcohol-related causes, and a recent study by the City of Winona and Winona State University indicated a high degree of alcohol use among Winona's middle school students. Needless to say, the community decided to take action. Read more

Resources

Vermont: Where deep-rooted democratic traditions open the way for study circles (2005)

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Organizing Study Circles With Young People (2003)

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Youth Issues, Youth Voices: A Guide for Engaging Youth and Adults in Public Dialogue and Problem Solving (1996)

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A Community for All Generations - Teens and Adults Working Together discussion guide (2002)

Download

Reaching Across Boundaries: Talk to Create Change A Mix It Up Handbook, 3rd Edition (2004)

Download

A Guide for Training Public Dialogue Facilitators (2008)

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Focus on Everyday Democracy (Spring 2008) Volume 19, Issue 1 (2008)

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Focus on Everyday Democracy (Spring 2009) Volume 20, Issue 1 (2009)

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Shades of Youth (2008)

Iowa State Extension Program: Woodbine Elementary (2009)

Engaging young people in dialogue and problem solving (2009)

News Articles

September 21, 2009 | New Haven 2020 Blog | New Haven, Connecticut New Haven 2020: What's happening this fall?

July 5, 2009 | The Times | Munster, Indiana Minorities up in local suburban schools
by Carmen McCollum

March 31, 2009 | Pope County Tribute | Starbuck, Minnesota Molding the future of Starbuck, Minn. Volunteers sought for next phase of Horizon's program
by Chad Koenen

March 19, 2009 | Logan Herald-Observer | Woodbine, Iowa Youth mentoring program sets new 'Horizons' in Woodbine, Iowa Horizons still dawning in Woodbine
by Nikki Davis

February 16, 2009 | The Morning News | Springdale, Arkansas Conversation to examine generational issues
by Rose Ann Pearce

January 26, 2009 | St. James Plaindealer | St. James, Minnesota 'Shelter'ed from the cold Kids living in area of St. James Place reap benefits from the Horizon's Program
by Matt McCabe

January 26, 2009 | The Morning News | Springdale, Arkansas Building respect across generations Springdale to examine generational issues
by Rose Ann Pearce

January 13, 2009 | Hot Springs Star | Hot Springs, South Dakota New Boys & Girls Club opens doors to area youth School: 52 percent of elementary students eligible for free memberships
by Brett Nachtigall

January 6, 2009 | Hot Springs Star | Hot Springs, South Dakota South Dakota town creates new youth club Boys & Girls Club of Hot Springs to open doors in three weeks
by Brett Nachtigall

October 9, 2008 | Yonkers Tribune | Yonkers, New York CLUSTER Launches Police/Youth Dialogue Project

September 9, 2008 | Westport Now | Westport, Connecticut Landon: Westport Being a “Huge Beacon” Will Spur Growth
by Dave Matlow

August 19, 2008 | Alamogordo Daily News | Alamogordo, New Mexico New Mexico community working to improve schools 'A Community Conversation' open discussion

August 5, 2008 | Gloucester Daily Times | Glouceter, Massachusetts Press challenges closed discussions on teen pregnancy Trained mediators to run Gloucester pregnancy conversations
by Patrick Anderson

July 28, 2008 | Princeton Times | Princeton, West Virginia Community unites to support youth Circling the problems...Study group targets issues plaguing area’s youth
by Tammie Toler

July 24, 2008 | Boston Herald | Gloucester, Massachusetts Seaside city looks for help on teen pregnancy Gloucester turns to teen pregnancy pros
by Jessica Heslam

July 15, 2008 | Brattleboro Reformer | Brattleboro, Vermont Hate has no home in Brattleboro, Vt. A call to action
by Lise Sparrow

June 20, 2008 | Sun Journal | Lewiston, Maine YADA to unveil new initiatives

June 19, 2008 | Sun Journal | Lewiston, Maine More than just talk
by Opinion

May 10, 2008 | Brattleboro Reformer | Brattleboro, Vermont A step toward a lasting peace
by Diane Wahle

April 13, 2008 | Valley News | Bradford, Vermont Schools grapple with bullying issue
by Matthew McCormick

March 12, 2008 | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon Eugene, Ore., schools take on racism North Eugene expects no hint of last year’s tournament slurs
by Anne Williams

January 18, 2008 | The News-Sentinel | Fort Wayne, Indiana Heritage 'study circles' aim to address racism Gatherings are designed to spark students toward discussion- and action
by Ashley Smith

December 7, 2007 | Sun Journal | Lewiston, Maine YADA youth clamor for voice in community
by Scott Taylor

November 26, 2007 | US State News | Lewiston, Maine Lewiston, Maine, to act on ideas for creating a youth friendly community

October 31, 2007 | Lexington Clipper-Herald | Lexington, Nebraska Pershing Elementary is award-winning
by Malena Ward

October 27, 2007 | Kearny Hub | Lexington, Nebraska School, town both 'Enriched by Change'
by Malena Ward

October 23, 2007 | Sun Journal | Lewiston, Maine Mayor to launch YADA with food, discussion

October 17, 2007 | Sun Journal | Lewiston, Maine Putting youth front and center Yada, Yada, Yada!
by Scott Taylor

August 15, 2007 | City of Lewiston | Lewiston, Maine Maine town aims to create a place where youth can thrive Plans underway for L/A youth and adult dialogue

March 23, 2007 | UConn Daily Campus | Storrs, Connecticut Thomas: Students Lack Involvement
by Christopher Duray

December 30, 2006 | Wilmington Morning Star | Wilmington, North Carolina YWCA's study circles: Open talk can bring action
by Angela Mack

September 27, 2006 | Sun-Sentinel | Coral Springs, Florida Making youth a priority in Coral Springs, Fla.
by Sallie James

March 23, 2006 | Inside the Circle, Spring 2006 | Montgomery County, Maryland High school students "Tell It!" Paint Branch Students "Tell It!"
by Study Circles Program of Montgomery County Public Schools

March 22, 2006 | Journal Times Online | Racine, Wisconsin Drumming up diverse conversations Students gather for fouth annual "Diversity Circles in Action" conference
by Phyllis Sides

February 17, 2006 | South Florida Sun-Sentinel | Davie, Florida Davie school instructs kids, staff to Mix It Up
by Carrie Ann Perez

January 24, 2006 | The Times Union | Duanesburg, New York Students petition for Rosa Parks honor Students seek to honor Rosa Parks
by Dan Higgins

December 20, 2005 | Kansas City Kansan | Kansas City, Kansas Kansas City, Kan., youth rally against violence SAAV groups empower students to prevent violence
by Laura Hastings

December 15, 2005 | Courier-Post | South New Jersey Mix It Up taking hold in South Jersey schools S.J. students learn acceptance
by Barbara S. Rothschild

November 24, 2005 | Des Moines Register | Johnston, Iowa Students can cliques in Johnston, Iowa Can cliques: Students 'Mix It Up' for lunch in Johnston
by Sara Sleyster

November 20, 2005 | Baltimore Sun | Westminister, Maryland How to click without cliques A nationwide project pushes children to look beyond their usual school groups and reach out to new friends
by Gina Davis

November 18, 2005 | Carroll County Times | Westminister, Maryland Mixing Up the school cafeteria's "seating chart" National initiative aims to eliminate cliques in middle and high schools
by Ann I. Mallory

November 18, 2005 | The Mercury-Register | California Central, Ishi Hills mix up lunch

November 16, 2005 | Tulsa World | Tulsa, Oklahoma Boundaries are brown-bagged
by Andrea Eger

November 15, 2005 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Lexington, Kentucky Middle schoolers get a lesson in overcoming differences
by Raviya H. Ismail

November 9, 2005 | The Mountain Echo | Mount St. Mary's University, Maryland Mix-It-Up dialogues to help understand different views
by Kelly Pilger

September 5, 2005 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier | Waterloo, IA New teen center for Waterloo, Iowa
by Jeff Reinitz

September 1, 2005 | Teaching Tolerance, Fall 2005 Talking Across Boundaries
by Camille Jackson

June 26, 2005 | Waterloo Cedar Fall Courier | Waterloo, IA Community ponders solutions to youth violence
by Jeff Reinitz

March 9, 2005 | The Palladium-Item | Richmond, IN Teens asked to voice concerns Diversity organization plans town hall meeting for local high-schoolers
by Bill Engle

January 12, 2005 | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | Upper St. Clair, PA Drinking incidents to hasten USC drug, alcohol study
by Julie Spohn

December 17, 2004 | Waterloo Cedar Valley Courier | Waterloo, IA East students bring study circles to Logan
by Andrew Wind

November 25, 2004 | The Times Picayune | New Orleans, LA Mix It Up: Tolerance of others taught over lunch at cafeteria
by Brian Freidman

November 17, 2004 | The Baxter Bulletin | North Central Arkansas., AR Pinkston students 'mix it up,'
by Amando Rios

November 17, 2004 | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati, OH Segregation breaks down over lunch among pupils

October 7, 2004 | Houston Chronicle | Houston, TX Low-cost tools can help teachers of tolerance
by Linda S. Wallace

July 26, 2004 | The Register-Guard | Eugene, OR Forum to give young people a soap box
by Mark Baker

April 8, 2004 | Monroe Courier | Monroe, CT High School Girls Discuss Stereotypes

October 16, 2001 | The Beacon News | Aurora, IL Awards show students character does count
by Dave Parro,

March 23, 2001 | The Beacon News | Aurora, IL Students relate to long-ago stuggle
by Nell Smith

January 17, 2001 | The Christian Science Monitor | Boston, MA Fun without alcohol
by April Austin

January 17, 2001 | The Christian Science Monitor | Boston, MA Teens speak up about drinking
by Ross Atkin

January 17, 2001 | The Christian Science Monitor | Boston, MA Rethinking drinking
by Ross Atkin

January 17, 2001 | The Christian Science Monitor | Boston, MA Police chief sees same kids over and over
by Ross Atkin

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