Does your organization have the “DNA” required to start a Youth Leadership Development program?

Does your organization have the “DNA” required to start a Youth Leadership Development program?

(Adapted from Designing Youth Leadership Development Programs by Mariam MacGregor, Youthleadership.com, 2001, 2^nd edition. Used with permission from Mariam MacGregor.)

Use this self-assessment checklist to determine whether your organization is ready—in terms of its organizational culture—to launch a youth leadership development program.

• Does your organization value the opinions and participation of youth?
• Does "youth leadership development" fit into the overall strategy/mission of your organization?
• What youth leadership efforts are currently happening in your organization?
• How will your staff respond to youth leadership development efforts? Will they offer support or participate?  Will they value it?
• Can you clearly state your reasons for wanting to offer youth leadership development?
• Do you know about youth leadership development programs, resources, and opportunities available in your community?
• What are some potential obstacles you will face in starting a program?
• How easy will it be to integrate youth leadership development with other programs in your organization? What, if anything, will need to change?
• Are there financial resources available to support youth leadership activities?