• SERVE AS ROLE MODELS AND PEER EDUCATORS. Peer education is perhaps the most recognized and accepted role for young activists. It is no secret that kids listen to kids. A 16-year-old can hold a class of elementary or middle school students spellbound when presenting the dangers of drugs or gangs. Teenagers as well as pre-teens can be excellent teachers, credible messengers, and effective recruiters. Many believe the real benefit is that peer educators practice what they preach and avoid many risk behaviors.

• DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE A REALITY CHECK. Young people have firsthand knowledge about their school and community environment. In a sense, they are the experts and can enhance the existing pool of data on adolescent attitudes and behaviors. Youth collaborators can collect data adults cannot obtain from other youth, and can offer a pragmatic client perspective to data analysis and planning. Geoffrey Canada, author of Fist Stick Knife Gun, writes, "I try to remember what I once knew, that children are the real experts in violence prevention, that they are the first ones to ask if you really want to know what works and what doesn't."

• CHALLENGE CONVENTIONAL THINKING. These underage allies offer fresh perspectives and imaginative ideas. "Children everywhere can stop us short with their unnerving moments of innocent good sense," writes Robert Coles in The Political Life of Children. "Adults wouldn't even consider trying to do what these kids were attempting. To them everything is possible," remarked an aide to Utah Senator Orrin Hatch after meeting with 6th graders who lobbied successfully for a new federal grant program to youth groups for planting trees.

• INFLUENCE THEIR PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS. Sons and daughters have far more influence on their elders than is acknowledged. Persuading a relative to quit smoking, convincing them to stop using chemical lawn treatments, prodding a parent to register to vote are examples of the domino effect that young people have on their parents and their extended family.

• ATTRACT NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE. Students who write letters to the editor, pitch a story to a producer, or send out news releases to print and broadcast outlets have an advantage. It's rare that ordinary citizens, especially youth, take a stand and the human interest angle is one the media adores. A sound bite by a teenager stands a better chance of being quoted in an article or over the airwaves than speeches by health professionals and other articulate, knowledgeable advocates.

• CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF DECISION-MAKERS. It isn't easy for policy makers and other decision-makers to turn a deaf ear to the ideas offered by the next generation who stand to inherit so many unsolved problems. Concerned young people, whose motives are rarely questioned, can motivate powerbrokers to take action. One community organizer claimed, "Without youth on our coalition, parents, school officials and politicians would not listen to me."

• PURSUE UNORTHODOX TACTICS AND CIRCUMVENT ROADBLOCKS. Young people can take advantage of their age and gain access to VIPs without scheduled meetings or abiding by conventional protocol. Painted faces, costumes, and visual props are among the creative tactics that help youth communicate their concerns to the powers-that-be. Setbacks and defeat may increase young activists' determination, due partly to their sense of invincibility and idealism.

TRAITS OF GREAT ADULT
CO-PILOTS & COLLABORATORS

In order to establish or expand an effective advocacy campaign involving youth, a critical success factor is the involvement of one or more adults. Those allies who partner effectively with young people embrace new ideas, treat youth with respect, listen, identify opportunities and resources, demonstrate a can-do attitude, and know how to have fun. Such an adult collaborator can be the linchpin that holds together a group of concerned young activists.

#1 First and foremost, adult allies really need to enjoy and respect young people. Believing in the potential power and positive impact young people have, however, is derived from experiences and true stories. Of the meager percentage of adults who actually like to hang out with young folks, most tend to enjoy a particular age group. Keep in mind that those who really like high school students may not be as keen on collaborating with the rambunctious hormones of seventh or eighth graders.

#2 Adult allies thrive in a creative, chaotic and more carefree atmosphere. These individuals may be better suited to youth-initiated advocacy campaigns that often operate at a much faster pace in contrast to slower, more deliberative adult-led coalitions. Ideally this adult would have facilitation skills and training about group dynamics that can be adapted to a less structured setting.

#3 Adult allies are not afraid of controversy and advocacy. Many people of all ages are reluctant to engage in activities that rock the boat and make waves. Beyond ribbon signing ceremonies, many cringe at the thought of young people pursuing local ordinances and other policies with elected officials, business leaders and other community heavyweights. It's great if adult partners are not intimidated by politicians and other VIPs.

#4 Adult allies should be well informed about the specific problem and what solutions have been tried elsewhere. This expertise can be acquired, although certainly those who have an in depth knowledge base have a real head start. Presumably, existing coalitions and networks as well as local, state and national organizations can provide background materials and possibly workshops on specific issues for newcomers.

An entire chapter on recruiting and retaining adults is included in our MAXIMUM YOUTH INVOLVEMENT.