These projects were all different, but the people who worked on them found that many of the lessons they learned were similar and could be useful to people working with communities on tobacco as well as many other issues. This information sheet is one of a series taking a brief look at these lessons. Young people are most effective doing tasks they feel able to do and that have a definite time frame for completion. Invest time and effort at the start of a project to gain the trust of young people. Young people are much more trusting of information coming from other young people.
Young people thrive when they are shown respect.
Young people need an environment in which they feel safe before they will discuss their issues and seek accurate information. Maintaining or building trust between youth and their communities is critical to a project's success. Young people have a lot to contribute to community action. They bring a sense of fun, high energy levels, and a desire to help others that can be inspiring and energizing. They have a lot to say, a lot to offer and a deep need to be taken seriously.