As concerns about youth mental health grow globally, organizations are stepping up to support young people’s wellbeing. However, the key to successful programs lies in genuinely making space for young voices — ensuring those directly impacted help shape the solutions.
- Include young people in program design from the start
- Create spaces for youth to actively contribute to policy and advocacy
- Celebrate small steps of positive change as meaningful progress
What happened
In a recent discussion hosted by the Kindness in Community Fund, youth advocates and organizational leaders shared insights on how to better engage young people in initiatives aimed at supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Panelists included representatives from diverse backgrounds and regions, all emphasizing the importance of authentic youth participation.
Leaders like Zodwa Portia Mabusela from South Africa and Jolie Delja from the U.S. highlighted practical methods their organizations use to integrate youth feedback directly into program design and execution. Beyond youth mental health experts also underscored putting youth voices at the center of decision-making, ensuring young people shape the conversations that affect them.
Why it feels good
Meaningful youth engagement brings a sense of empowerment and belonging to young participants, who often express relief and hope when their authentic voices are heard and respected. The act of inclusion fosters trust and shows respect for their lived experience, which can positively impact mental health and community connectedness.
For organizations, involving youth deeply leads to better-tailored programs and policies, as young people contribute perspectives adults might miss. These true partnerships nurture future leaders and create a ripple effect where one person’s willingness to listen spurs many others to support youth engagement.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you are part of an organization serving young people, consider inviting youth advisory boards or councils to participate in your planning meetings. Prioritize giving them real decision-making power rather than symbolic roles. Resources from the Kindness in Community Fund and groups like AIM Youth Mental Health offer guidance on how to build these collaborations.
On a personal level, tuning into stories from young advocates and creators can inspire new ways to support youth engagement. Watching panel discussions or following youth-led campaigns brings fresh perspectives and reinforces the power of every small effort to create positive change over time.