We believe that involving teens is beginning to make a difference. It helps to make programs relevant to what is happening today in their lives. Communities around the country increasingly recognize that helping teens avoid pregnancy can't be accomplished by any single program or strategy. It's going to take many different approaches. Health officials say there are eight good reasons for communities to involve teens in the planning and implementation of teen pregnancy prevention programs.
Teens can design authentic programs that speak to their real needs.
Teen involvement may create a favorable reputation for a program among teens. Teens themselves often are the best recruiters for a program. Teens can help develop messages that make a difference. Teens can help hire staff whom young people will respond to. Teens can help design an accessible program and suggest sites, activities and hours of service to create a program that works.