• Young people

Of course, young people are usually all too aware of the issues that affect them, whether those issues include violence, suicide, or anything else. They also know what's really happening much better than most adults hired to lead a student organization. They may work together and form a formal organization, such as SADD, or something much less formal to stay informed and get things done without a lot of resources.

Example of informal network: Grrrl Power

Riot grrrl is an attempt to develop an "all girl" sub-culture. It's a feminist network that developed in the underground music communities of Olympia, Washington and Washington, DC. Originally formed by the members of the bands Brat Mobile and Bikini Kill, the organization now supports activities that are not only music related, but focus on racism, classism, sexism, and supporting young women in staying safe and healthy. Although the network is very informal, information is distributed and networks are set up through paper and electronic "zines," self-published independent texts devoted to various issues and hobbies. The zines often enclose notes requesting feedback and personal interaction with readers. Many zines cover sensitive topics, such as rape and child abuse, and young women can write the zines to seek support

Riot grrrl is a good example of an informal network that addresses issues that are important to youth. Since all of the work is done by young people themselves, it serves as a great way to empower the young people who develop it and those who just surf by their web pages.

When is a good time to establish an organization?

Really, there's probably not a bad time, especially if young people are interested in starting a group. But some time periods and events lend themselves particularly well to mobilizing young people to improve their communities. These times include:

• When a dramatic, disturbing, or significant event occurs in the community, such as some of the recent teen murder-suicides that have occurred at high schools across the nation.

• At the beginning of the school year, when young people are anxious to get to know each other, to belong, and to learn what's going on.

• When new information becomes known. For example, a local group may survey young people and find that a large number of them report getting drunk on a regular basis. This information might be the stimulus to start a group to try to curb youth drinking.

• When current organizations are not meeting community needs.

• When a group wants to create broad, significant community changes. This is a good example of a time when it makes sense to include young people in a larger group, such as starting a youth advisory board for a city-wide organization.

• To respond to threats to the community, such as increased violence.

• When a significant issue specifically concerning youth needs to be confronted.

 

How do you establish youth organizations?

1. Decide what type of youth organization you want to form.

If you are a young person yourself, you may already know what type of group you would like to form. But at the very least, you'll probably want to ask your friends and other young people how they feel about that issue. Ask very direct questions, such as:

• What problems are so important to people our age/to our community that you would join a group to change them?

• What is the biggest concern for young people today?

• What's the real cause of the problem? (See Chapter 17, Section 4: Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique for help with this question.)

• What do you think should be done about the problem?

• Do you know of anything going on right now to solve the problem? (This question is a good way to learn about things you might not know are going on, that you could "hook up" with to be more effective.)

 

You might also talk to people who are potential sponsors to see what their suggestions are, and how they feel about your ideas.

Adults, too, might have specific ideas (or grant money) to work on a particular issue in a particular way. However, if you're an adult, it's even more important to get feedback on what you are thinking about doing. Are young people interested in what you want to work on? Would they be willing to commit time and resources to it? Is it something they believe in?

Adults, like young people, will probably also want to get support from others in the community. They may be able to donate space or resources that you need. Also, if you're organizing a youth group for the first time, they might have some great tips as to what is most effective in working with young people in your community.

For both groups: Going national?

One option you will want to consider is whether or not you want the group to be affiliated with a national organization. For example, if you know a group of young people interested in human rights, should they start a local chapter of Amnesty International, or should they develop a small local organization that focuses on the treatment of migrant workers in your area? Many national and international organizations exist that can offer support and resources to a fledgling organization. However, your group may feel it wants more autonomy, or isn't interested in being part of a large, impersonal-seeming organization. The answer may be clear from the start for your group, but it's important to make sure the question is raised before you begin your work.