What Is Youth Voice?

You may have heard us and others talk about "youth voice."  But what is it really?  When people talk about youth voice, we don't always take the time to explain and make sure everyone has the same understanding of its meaning. In a project focused on helping adults center and support young people, Remake Learning provides this definition: 

"When we say 'youth voice,' we refer to the practice of centering young people’s identities, interests, needs and perspectives in decisions that affect their learning and lives. This requires supporting youth in positions of genuine leadership and power over those decisions."

Now that we understand what youth voice is, we can take steps to put it into practice. 

Don't know where to start or what listening to and supporting youth voice look like in action?  You're not alone in this!  There are lots of resources to help. Check out the Remake Learning resource mentioned above to learn specific ways you can center youth voices in the spaces you're in. And take a look at Chapter 8: Honoring Youth Voice and Building Power of MENTOR's Becoming a Better Mentor Guide. Read the chapter in full or watch the video summary to learn how to listen critically and share power with young people.