Interactive teaching strategies build on the strengths of the young people, and they learn from each other's experiences and insights. Their knowledge, expertise, and personal experiences are a valuable resource that will help make the lessons come alive. In addition, through their interaction with community resource people, teens form stronger bonds with their community and are exposed to positive role models. Service learning, or action projects are an integral part of the program. Once the teens have gained the necessary knowledge and skills, Community Works challenges them to participate in an action project.
Young people apply what they have learned by identifying and addressing a community problem.
They work together to assess their community's needs, set goals, plan, and reflect on the execution of the process. They complete the program with an increased sense of self-esteem, and a feeling that they have a role and a stake in the welfare of their community. The last unit of Community Works addresses the planning and implementation of an action project. Anyone who has an interest in developing leadership skills in young people and helping them take an active role in their communities. Young people are often the best teachers of all.