For Youth

Young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision-making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and procedures governing care for all youth in the community, state and nation. This includes giving young people a sustainable voice and then listening to that voice. Youth guided organizations are safe environments that enable young people to gain self-sustainability in accordance with the cultures and beliefs with which they identify. Further, a youth-guided approach recognizes that there is a continuum of power that should be share with young people based on their understanding and maturity in a strength-based change process. Youth-guided organizations recognize that this process should be fun and worthwhile (Youth M.O.V.E VA, SAMHSA).