Promising new prevention research indicates that a complete program approach, such as Community Works , can play an integral role in strengthening resiliency skills that propel young people to succeed in spite of those risk factors. Most young people, including those facing multiple risk factors, do not engage in delinquent behavior. Such youth are said to be resilient because they are able to overcome their stressful environments and develop into socially competent and productive citizens. The content and strategies of the sessions encourage young people to analyze situations and exercise reason to effectively communicate their ideas. The interactive teaching strategies build on the strengths of young people.
Teens learn from each other's experiences and insights.
Furthermore, Community Works challenges young people to look critically at their communities and identify problems and the resources to help solve those problems. The young people in the program determine what role they can play in improving their communities. Action projects give them the opportunity to work together to set goals, plan, and reflect on the execution of the process. Young people complete the program with an increased sense of self-esteem, having experienced success in the sessions and having taken concrete action to help their communities. Community Works will not eliminate all of the complex social and economic challenges facing young people.