BUILDING PREVENTION INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACT MISSOURI PREVENTION CONFERENCE 2013 Ryan Worley Youth Community Coalition

Problem Free is not fully prepared. Fully prepared is not fully engaged.

~Karen Pittman, Forum for Youth Investment

Main Points

 Prevention is at it’s best when it is a part of a comprehensive positive youth development approach.

 Community problems are complex, so therefore our solutions must be as well.

 Complex solutions must be supported by the proper infrastructure to ensure long term success.

Quick History of Prevention

   Pre-1980’s   Single issue prevention (early treatment) Not reliant on science 1980’s    Co-occurrence Environment Predictive Conditions/Risk & Protective Factors 1990’s-2000’s    Public Health Model Positive Youth Development emerges Broader understanding of youth issues and role of prevention and PYD to prevent negative behavior and promote positive behavior

Time for a Paradigm Shift

Time to Broaden the Outcomes

Positive Youth Development

Positive youth development is a comprehensive framework outlining the supports all young people need to be successful.

Developmental Attributes

 Competence: intellectual ability and social and behavioral skills  Connection: positive bonds with people and institutions  Character: integrity and moral centeredness  Confidence: positive self-regard, a sense of self efficacy, and courage  Contribution: humane values, empathy, and a sense of social justice.

Key Elements

 Provide youth with safe and supportive environments.

 Foster relationships between young people and caring adults who can mentor and guide them.

 Provide youth with opportunities to pursue their interests and focus on their strengths.

 Support the development of youths’ knowledge and skills in a variety of ways, including study, tutoring, sports, the arts, vocational education, and service learning.

Key Elements

(cont’d)  Engage youth as active partners and leaders who can help move communities forward.

 Provide opportunities for youth to show that they care – about others and society.

 Promote healthy lifestyles and teach positive patterns of social interaction.  Provide a safety net in times of need.

Moving Towards PYD

40 Developmental Assets

        Support Empowerment Boundaries and Expectations Constructive Use of Time Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity PYD Framework

Prevention Infrastructure

Prevention Infrastructure

The social connections, decision-making processes, policies, practices, and formal and informal networks that allow residents to solve problems, work together, and build a thriving community.

Where What’s Best About Prevention Thrives!

How Do We Build Prevention Infrastructure in Our Communities?

 Alignment  Common Outcomes  Shared Responsibility and Accountability  Continuous Quality Improvement

Collective Impact

Roadmap Project- Seattle, WA

Changing the Way We Do Business

Courtesy of All Hands Raised, Portland, Oregon

Collective Impact

Strive Together

Disorder, Coordination, Unison

Roles to Play

 Conveners  Bring together the key stakeholders  Alignment of key sectors  Funders, policy, makers, education leaders  Backbone Support  Provide staff support to move community wide efforts forward  Data Gatherers  Be the chief story tellers in your community

Next Steps

     Map Your Ecosystem   What’s there?

What’s not there?

Engage Decision Makers in Creating a Community Wide Roadmap Build Systems  Not just events or one time responses. Building long term systems and structures to support youth over a lifetime.

Evaluate Your Current Position  Is your coalition at the right tables?

 Are you in a position of influence? Can you be?

Navigate turf issues  Have honest and hard conversations about what it takes to change your community.

Next Steps

(cont’d)  See Where You Fit in the Broader Picture  ACE’s Study, CDC  District Graduation/Achievement Data  Developmental Asset Profile, Search Institute  Early Childhood  Mental Health  Don’t Be Afraid to Change, But Don’t Compromise  Lead the Way-You Probably Already Are!!!

Resources

 Collective Impact Article  Stanford Social Innovation Review  Strive Together  National Network of Cradle to Career Communities  Forum for Youth Investment  Search Institute  ACT for Youth

Bringing It All Together

 Build infrastructure for your prevention efforts through positive youth development  Results: Systems change. Community Alignment. Common Outcomes. Broader Influence. Shared Vision. Long Term Support Structures.

Questions?

Contact Info Ryan Worley Youth Community Coalition [email protected]

573-449-1993 If it’s good for the kids, it’s good for everybody