2. WELCOME
Engaging teens
Empowering teens in your community
Relating to teens
Community Partners
Community service ideas
3. Don’t take it personally
No matter what age you are
you will never be cool again
Appreciate your wisdom even
though they might not
REALIZING YOUR OLD
4. Allow them to own what you
want them to do
Make them responsible for
their project, group, task, etc.
Get to know their strengths
and weaknesses
Always suggest never dictate
GIVE TEENS A PURPOSE
5. ENSURE THEIR VISION
When forming a teen group
allow them to make the rules,
decide what their vision is going to
be, etc.
If you are employing teen
volunteers engage a teen in
defining what that job role will be
6. Engage teens by finding ways to
relate to them
Be open to their flow and rhythm
Listen to what they are talking
about:
• Movies
• Music
• Books
• Hot topics
EMBRACING THEIR YOUTH
7. FACILITATING SUCCESS
Clearly define your role
Give them structure
Provide rules that are clear
and do not change
Standards of Behavior
Agreements
Parental input
8. Find out what businesses and
local colleges offer for teens
Invite local entities to
participate in your programing
Ask teens what they want
from their community
ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY
9. COMMUNITY SERVICE
Find ways for your teens to
give back
Fundraisers for local families
Holiday letters to local nursing
homes or military personnel
How do they want to give back
to their community?
10. USING THEIR INTERESTS
IN PROGRAMING
Book to movie events
Writing contests
Book trailers
Use scenes from favorite
texts as a way to create an event
Local book store signings