We are pleased to announce that the Youth Empowerment Solutions for Peaceful Communities Implementation Guide is now available for free download through the University of Michigan TechTransfer site. To find out how to download the curriculum, please visit the YES website.
YES is a theory-based after-school program that engages adolescents in conceiving, planning, and carrying out community improvement projects. The goal of the YES program is to empower youth to affect their communities in positive ways and to engage adults in supporting their efforts. The program includes a 16 week after-school curriculum that focuses on developing leadership skills, community pride, program planning, and resource mobilization. During the summer, youth design and complete community improvement projects, which may include cleaning up neighborhoods, creating a mural, planting community gardens, building playgrounds, or other initiatives chosen by the participants. Trained local adult volunteers assist and mentor youth. Evaluation results indicate that YES participants are less likely to become victims of crime in their neighborhoods, demonstrate more conflict avoidance and resolution skills, and spend less time watching TV or using a computer as compared to youth not involved in the program.
Training for groups interested in implementing the program is available through the Prevention Research Center of Michigan.
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