Special section: Help for adults seeking success in building a youth organization

There's no question that being an adult mentor or facilitator for a youth organization can be hard work, especially if this is the first time you have done so. However, it can also be a richly rewarding experience. Some of the tips below might help you in your quest to run a fun, successful organization for youth without pulling out all of your hair in the process.

• Think of young people as resources, rather than as troublemakers or a difficult population that you need to help in spite of themselves. Having a positive attitude in which you see young people as having great potential rather than being "at-risk troublemakers" is the best way to be sure you will get the best they have to offer. Most times when working with young people, you get what you expect. If you make it clear to them that you think they are the greatest kids on earth, chances are they'll work very hard to live up to that view.

• Make sure that the young people are responsible for a large portion of the planning and decision-making. Even if you are running a grant program given by a federal agency with strict limitations, it's very important to pass as much authority as possible on to the youth themselves. This should help them believe in the organization--that it's really there for them, not just as a way for your organization to use them to get more money.

• Think about turning the organization into a "full-service organization" where young people can come for help and friendship--a place where they can find a safe and trusted ear in addition to the stated goals of your organization. All too often, young people feel they have nowhere to turn, and no one to speak with about troubles they have. Let the young people know quite explicitly that you're there for them, and that they can come to you with any problems that they have.

• Give young people the opportunity for real responsibilities and real work. If you do so (and make sure it's coupled with real support), chances are it will lead to real accomplishments. Also, try to give them the responsibility they are ready for. Often times, this means starting out small, and then as they become more adept and experienced, slowly making their responsibilities more challenging. That way, competence should grow along with confidence.

• Make sure that roles and rules are clearly defined. If all decisions will be with adults (although we don't recommend it), it's better to say so up front. If some decisions are out of your hands as well as theirs, let them know that, too. Young people usually know when you're not being straight with them--it's a great way to lose their respect in a hurry.

• Finally, remember that as a leader or a staff member of a youth organization you are both a role model and an example to the young people who know you. What you say and how you act--even when you are not working in your "official" capacity--will not only influence their opinion of you, it may also influence their decisions and actions in the future.