In a World Where Youth Hold the Power.

In my experience so far with Youth Development, I have seen and heard of a variety of different organizations that help youth or lead youth in the right direction, but I have yet to hear of an organization where the youth help and the youth lead. Adeola A. Oredola, the Executive Director of Youth in Action in Providence, Rhode Island, gives readers a strong glimpse of what the organization is and what it has to offer through her words, and the words of her fellow members of this great organization. Located in a city that holds the college I attend that is not far from home, it is amazing to hear that they want youth to "take the lead" to fix problems in their city including community health, the justice system, public transportation, and education. These are all things I have experienced for myself, some more than others, and knowing that this organization is letting youth take these matters into their hands is incredible. From raising money to build the youth center to having a voice in decision making, the youth of Providence have a voice that echoes throughout the entire city, and will only get louder as more youth join their team.

"I believe it’s critical for young people

to be at the center of change in every community

if we’re ever going to see that better world

we all know is possible," -- Adeola A. Oredola



 Youth in Action has created a space for youth to feel like they have can be themselves and have a voice that is heard. This is followed by some key elements that Oredola and other Youth in Action members have created as a result of what they think Youth in Action represents and provides for their community.

1. A New Definition of Youth. Labeling youth with specific stereotypes, thinking they don't have a say in current events, and not recognizing that your fellow youth can make a difference are all things that Youth in Action strive to show their community are false. Youth in Action is a place that gives youth the satisfaction and feeling of making a difference and having a voice. Negative behavior is present in this city, but if the positive behavior is recognized, it will grow and change the city for the better.
2. Youth and Adults are Growing Together. My fellow classmates and advisors are familiar with this statement and I know that for me, it holds a special place in my heart. The concept of "youth workers and youth learn from each other" needs to be implemented in all environments and to expand this way of looking at any aspect of learning could improve schools, families, communities, etc.
3. A Practice of Disagreement. To agree to disagree truly plays a huge role in every day life. Recognizing that others will not only look at things differently from you and/or others will not only help you understand and accept the opinions, thoughts, and ideas of others, but perhaps you will discover something new or look at something differently in a way you never thought of before.
4. Learning and Speaking Truth. In this section a fellow YIA youth member spoke a great deal about the importance of numbers. He talked about how he felt about a particular topic in school, and how once he brought his opinions about the topic to others, they were able to approach the teacher and made the teacher realize their concerns. This is VERY similar when John Smith and Pocahontas wanted their voices to be heard, but they had to say something first!  The moral of the story is to always speak your mind; you never know who else is thinking the same things you are!

5. That Better World. It's amazing what positive support can do for our youth!! With these concepts in mind, anything can be possible. If we practice this outlook of life, it can spread to not only other youth and other communities, but to other generations to come.

Some students from Youth in Action.
Picture on PVD Teachers.

Access to the article by Adeola A. Oredola: In a World Where Youth Hold the Power
Youth in Action's Website: http://youthinactionri.org/