Adolescents make up nearly 13% of the U.S. population. That’s close to 43 million individuals with unique needs, perspectives and dreams. As a group, they are, quite literally, the future — and yet, their voices aren’t always fully heard or appreciated. Youth Advisory Boards are one way organizations can empower teens, while benefiting from their distinctive position in our society.
What is a YAB?
Although the specific goals may vary for different entities, a Youth Advisory Board is a way for organizations to receive input from a younger generation. For example, a YAB can help improve youth programming and services or increase adolescent engagement and outreach. Benefits for teens who participate in a YAB include resume building, professional skills, peer relationships and the chance to positively impact their community.
Locally, many institutions incorporate YABs. These collaborative relationships can be beneficial for both parties.
Tulsa PAC YAB
Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center recently established its own YAB, which is open to students in grades 9-12 through an application process. Members meet every other month throughout the school year. According to Pete Otis, Tulsa PAC director of development, each cohort will develop its own mission and goals, with guidance from the PAC staff and the TPAC Board of Trustees. Among the activities planned for this year’s YAB is to help develop the organization’s newest community engagement program, Prism, which will primarily serve Tulsa-area LGBTQIA+-identifying youth.
“Our goal is to build a community of lifelong arts patrons who are passionate about increasing access to the arts for the broader Tulsa community,” Otis says. “The YAB represents our commitment to cultivating that passion in the next generation and providing an opportunity to learn more about nonprofit arts organizations. We hope our YAB cohorts learn the importance of arts access and education and how that translates to health and well-being, both mental and physical, on an individual level but also for society in general.”
Little Light House YAB
Sara Emery is the director of volunteers for Little Light House, a nonprofit developmental center that provides specialized education and therapy services for children with disabilities. Emery says working with the organization’s YAB is one of the most rewarding parts of her job…