7. Leadership Development

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Underlying YouthBuild Values and Philosophy
  3. YouthBuild Program Design Standards
  4. 2008 YouthBuild Program Performance Standards
  5. Honors Graduates
  6. The Process for Changing the YouthBuild Model or Requirements
  7. Working Definitions of Important Terms Related to These Standards
  8. Appendix

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (pdf)

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (HTML Version)

YouthBuild Program Design Standards

7. Leadership Development

Mandatory action

  • 7 A A YouthBuild program must have a working policy committee or comparable process by which students receive experience in program governance and participate in significant decision making that affects the program.

Required actions

  • 7 B The education program includes a curriculum focused on leadership attitudes and skills.
  • 7 C The program communicates the principle "Good leadership is taking responsibility to make sure things go right for your life, for your family, for the program, for the community," which unifies personal development with community leadership.
  • 7 D Emphasis is placed on the fact that leadership starts with being a responsible group member who can keep one's own commitments and support the achievements of the group's goals and objectives through cooperative work and reliability.
  • 7 E Group attention is focused on defining good leadership.
  • 7 F YouthBuild graduates who are enrolled in postsecondary education or are successfully pursuing careers are recognized as leaders and are called upon to provide support and guidance to enrolled YouthBuild students.
  • 7 G The process of becoming a positive role model in the community is taken seriously and its implications are discussed.
  • 7 H The elected policy committee, or a comparable ongoing body, should meet regularly, preferably weekly, with the director or program manager, whichever is designated to play that role on an ongoing basis, and at least one staff representative. The committee should participate in governance and decision making affecting the program, such as the selection and evaluation of staff, program, and program policies. The committee should receive training. The Policy Committee Handbook can be used as a guide in developing the committee. Standards for serving on the policy committee are set collectively, including attendance standards. The policy committee is fully informed about sources of funds, requirements and limitations of those funds, and the budget and expenditures of the YouthBuild program.
  • 7 I Young people taking leadership responsibility for the program are taught skills in facilitating group discussions and decision making, and resolving conflicts.
  • 7 J Opportunities are maximized for young people to participate in fundraising, public relations, and advocacy.
  • 7 K YouthBuild graduates serve on the board of directors of the sponsoring organization or on a committee of the board dedicated to the YouthBuild program. Training and preparation are provided.
  • 7 L Programs involve local YouthBuild graduates in service-learning opportunities and mentoring relationships to enhance positive program culture.
  • 7 M Young people are assigned administrative responsibilities in the implementation of the program as opportunities arise to build leadership skills not only in governance but also in program implementation. There are leadership objectives, and students are able to take leadership, in every component of the program.
  • 7 N Leadership competencies are defined and taught, and a process of evaluation of mastery of these competencies, including self-evaluation, is carried out. These competencies may include training in peaceful conflict resolution, solving community problems, peer tutoring, good parenting, public speaking, and other leadership skills.
  • 7 O Students are given systematic attention to their own development, especially through an individualized leadership development plan connected to their personal life plans.
  • 7 P Students register to vote and are encouraged to become informed citizens and to vote in local, state, and federal elections. Staff help those who have lost their voting rights work to restore them if possible under state law.

Recommended actions

  • 7 Q Paths to becoming staff in YouthBuild programs are described and provided to the extent possible and appropriate. Such paths might include internships, training, and higher education.
  • 7 R Programs involve YouthBuild graduates in service-learning opportunities and mentoring relationships to enhance positive program culture.