What is Positive Youth Development?

Positive youth development refers to activities and programs that nurture all young people and help them build on their strengths.

Positive youth development happens when an individual or a program teaches young people skills, connects adults and young people in a meaningful way, involves young people in the life of the community, or gives them a sense of belonging and accomplishment. It’s not about fixing kids’ problems. Rather, it helps young people find positive things to say yes to. 

In Missoula, there are many places where young people can find this kind of nurturing and involvement. Like every community, we have a unique network of people, groups, churches, clubs, teachers, businesses, and agencies that help young people grow into competent adults.

The nurturers might be piano teachers, soccer coaches, neighbors, Big Brothers and Sisters, church youth group leaders, teachers, or grandparents. Some are professional youth teachers and leaders, but many are not. Someone who takes care of neighborhood kids after school has a role. A garage owner who encourages a youngster to hang around the shop and learn about cars can have a meaningful impact, too.

All are potential community resources for youth—all can be part of the community’s network for promoting positive youth development.  The key is the connection between the adult and the young person, and the learning and growing that emerges. 

We all know that healthy and engaged young people are more likely to become competent, caring, and contributing adults.  The health and stability of our community and the continuation of our special way of life depend in no small part on our willingness to create wholesome opportunities for young people.  Everybody wins when a caring community devotes time and energy to helping young people grow and develop.

To read more about positive youth development, download "It's a Community Thing" (.pdf)-- a guide to positive youth development written by Greg Oliver, Robin Nielson-Cerquone, and Jeanne Koester, of the Missoula City-County Health Department.

The 40 Developmental Assets identified by the Search Institute are one model for understanding Positive Youth Development.