Provide ways for your staff to interact informally outside of the program in ways that are fun. Hire staff who develop trust easily and who are trust worthy. Hire staff who know how to deal with the unexpected and can be flexible. Train your staff to be advocates for youth and take a prominent role in the community in advocating for the rights of young people. Conduct in-service training for staff in youth development principles and strategies to improve their skill base.
Constant training is necessary to keep staff up to current standards and skills.
Contract with staff for set periods of employment. These strategies are drawn from a vibrancy self-assessment tool developed by Dr. Kirk A. Astroth, Montana State University.