In addition, we know more about what communities can do to cultivate and sustain more effective programs for youth. McLaughlin's research makes clear that community counts in its response to the unmet needs of youth, particularly in how they provide care and opportunities for development. The findings of this report show that effective community-based organizations provide opportunities for healthy growth and development for young people. The great majority of followed those in the study, now in their 20s, are firmly set on positive pathways, employed and active members of their communities. Effective youth organizations are centered on learning Although effective organizations differ greatly, the focus areas of their activities, environments, and relationships are deliberately centered on learning.
Effective organizations show youth that learning is a reason to get involved.
Youth need opportunities for ongoing feedback, peer reviews, and self-reflection to know how they are doing and how they can do better next time. Effective organizations provide family-like environments where youth can feel safe and build trusting relationships. Communities can count by engaging community members in the process to develop youth organizations, their strategies, and their services. Youth development efforts are more effective when they engage all youth-serving institutions, particularly schools. Engage all youth-serving institutions, particularly schools.