It would serve us well to examine the core principles of youth development as they will guide the work of our association and our member organizations. These core principles shed light on why some young people flourish and achieve in environments that are full of negative influences while many of their peers fail in the same environment. These core principles, developed by the CYD will help guide our work into the next millennium. Core Youth Development Principles Developing youth in positive ways must be intentional, not accidental. Left to their own devices, as they frequently are, young people will seek to meet their needs and develop competencies, but not always in ways that are positive.
Youth development is about meeting basic needs and developing personal competencies.
Youth development depends on much more than programs. Teachers, social workers, youth workers and others whose jobs are focused on youth are not the only ones who have a contribution to make to youth development. Young people are resources to be developed, not problems to be fixed. Young people are resources to be developed, not problems to be fixed. They deserve our attention, investment and support at all times, not just when they need special services or treatment.