developmental relationship Archives

Exploring the trust gap: An open invitation

While we always ask youth to trust adults, young people must be recognized for their abilities and have that trust returned with...

Emotional isolation of boys, The boys we’re losing-and the prevention we’re missing_feature: group of young men and boys on a hike

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Opinion

The boys we’re losing — and the prevention we’re missing

The emotional isolation of boys is shaped by long-standing norms that reward suppression and discourage vulnerability.

Youth development’s missing link-Intergenerational connection _feature: group photo of young and old people together

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From the Field

Youth development’s missing link? Intergenerational connection

Intergenerational connection allows older adults to have companionship that matters and for youth to build genuine connections.

What kind of developmental environments help young people become fully human_feature: group of young people in classroom after hours talking to educator

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Opinion

What kind of environments help young people become fully human?

Thriving emerges from developmental environments and relationships that help young people make meaning.

Nearly 200 student stories reveal what AI can’t replace- developmental Relationship _feature: white woman with glasses helps young girl with classwork

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Opinion

Nearly 200 student stories reveal what AI can’t replace: Relationships

Students are making it clear that AI cannot replace a human developmental relationship.

positive youth development, youth mentoring, community-based mentoring program report: black teen male and mentor talking and laughing on bleachers

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From the Field

The missing dimension of positive youth development: What it requires of adults

The positive youth development field has rethought the role of young people in the work, but not the adults.

Social capital From participants to partners Rethinking the role of alumni in youth programs_feature: group of youth learning woodworking from young instructor

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Opinion

From participants to partners: Rethinking the role of alumni in youth programs

Youth program alumni are vital social capital not usually harnessed by youth organizations.

Permanency-without-connection-fails-foster-youth-True-support-means-lasting-relationships_feature: young white girl with black mom smiling at eachother on the couch

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Opinion

Permanency without connection fails foster youth. True support means lasting relationships.

Foster youth need relational permanency — lasting, supportive relationships into adulthood.

Five shifts that would change everything_feature: black teenage girl speaks with black female adult

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Opinion

Five shifts that would change everything

A podcast discusses five concrete changes that can be made in any youth development setting.

positive youth development, sparks, environmental education grants: black boy using magnifying glass to study among plants while Asian girl takes notes

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From the Field

On sparks and social capital

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Erica Van Steenis on how sparks — deep interests, qualities, or talents — are central to positive...

On developmental relationships _feature: black coach or mentor and white male student sit on bleachers and talk

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From the Field

On developmental relationships

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Gene Roehlkepartain on how strong developmental relationships are the "active ingredient" in successful youth programs.

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance_feature: recess, group of very happy children playing game with yellow ball

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From the Field

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance

We must ensure kids are experiencing high-quality recess and a school climate that makes them want to attend every day.

Coaching not correction_The shift youth serving systems need to build real leaders_feature: male educator/mentor helping two girls with STEM project

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From the Field

Coaching, not correction: The shift youth-serving systems need to build real leaders

You can’t correct a kid into leadership. Adolescents develop youth leadership through environments that support autonomy, belonging and skill-building.

service learning, youth workers: Happy young volunteers in gloves collecting, sorting food for needy people

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Opinion

They age out — then we hire them. What happens next matters most.

Despite the vital role of young staff, we know little about how these experiences shape their development and which workplace practices help...

On learning and meaning making _feature: group of youth working at table together

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From the Field

On learning and meaning making

Katherine Plog-Martinez speaks with Kim Sabo Flores about how meaning making—reflecting on and making sense of experiences—is crucial to youth development.

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development _feature: young boy and mentor/father figure walk outdoors while talking

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Opinion

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development

Positive youth development researchers/practitioners must remain steadfast in providing every young person with developmental assets and relationships.