Based on CCGC experience Community resource organizations and individuals must be willing to see youth education as an important part of their work. Involving a youth team significantly in a project is a significant time commitment. Educators must have not only the knowledge and skills, but the flexibility and creativity to incorporate community-based learning into their curriculum. Often this role falls to the educator, and requires more time than they can commit. This is a major reason such projects are uncommon.
Good timing is critical.
Young people must have the skills, knowledge, and time to participate at the time when they are needed for a community project. When educators and community partners have a long term commitment they can plan far enough in advance that this is not an obstacle. CCGC found that a public education role gave young people a reason to gather and synthesize knowledge and practice presentation skills. With a longer planning horizon it should be possible to include young people even more fully as consultants in the development of web pages or brochures for community organizations and the targeting of specific audiences. Beyond developing these skills, there is a clear opportunity through public education for young people to develop more sophistication with the concept of sustainability.