Some adults still embrace negative stereotypes concerning the abilities and perceptions of teenagers. However, youth-adult partnerships positively impact society if rightfully nurtured. A youth-adult collaboration involves a relationship where adults fully engage young individuals on issues affecting them, including programs and policies (Alford, 2022). A true partnership between adults and youths incorporates a situation in which all parties have the chance to make decisions and suggestions. Research shows that partnering with young adults and respecting their perceptions promotes essential opportunities such as leadership structure, skill-building, and cause-based actions.
Research findings indicate that one of the importance of incorporating youth styles and youth-adult partnerships includes an integrated leadership structure. Youth and adult collaborations stem from the belief that young individuals hold a right to partake in programs that affect society. Besides, they have a voice in molding the regulations and policies that affect them. Adolescence activists further suggest that community programs become more efficient and sustainable if youths participate in their draft, creation, and implementation (Alford, 2022). Acceptance of youths in the society’s leadership structure, therefore, incorporate better decisions and good leadership.
Another importance of youth styles and collaboration with adults include skill-building. Research shows that including youths in decision-making equips them with important skills and opportunities such as social competence (Alford, 2022). Social competence includes caring, empathy, responsiveness, communication skills, and flexibility. Other skills include a sense of future and purpose. It incorporates having fruitful objectives, expectations, a spirit of coherence, and motivation towards success. Incorporating youths in decision-making among adults builds their confidence and in response leads to their personal growth. Promoting youth-adult partnerships further promotes a sense of responsibility among youths and leads them to undertake cause-based actions.
However, promoting youth acceptance among adults may also have some drawbacks. One of the drawbacks of youth-adult collaborations includes wild ideas and decisions among youths. Adolescence often contributes very unique notions due to advanced technology. However, adults who embrace these creative and unique ideas develop very effective decisions. The exclusive blend of adult wisdom and creativity makes youth-adult collaborations essential for the growth of both parties.
Reference
Alford, S., 2022. Building effective youth-adult partnerships – advocates for youth. [online] Advocatesforyouth.org.