Growth and development happen. They are the imperatives of being alive.
Young children are completely dependent upon adults for their well-being.
At some point, however, as they begin to navigate for themselves, young people take increasing responsibility for their own development. They need and want the support of their families, peers and communities. But their imperative is to find ways to meet their needs, feel wanted and valued, build skills that seem useful, and make a difference on the issues that matter to them. This developmental imperative is the defining frame for understanding youth development. Our basic approach is to start with the big picture of what young people need, do and offer and of what it takes to make a difference.