Youth Development

HRiA is widely known for its youth development approach, which recognizes and builds on young people's assets and strengths. We build healthy communities by increasing the capacity of youth and the adults who work with them through training, consultation, program and curriculum development, and coaching and mentoring support. HRiA takes great pride in engaging youth leaders and committed adults by partnering with organizations, networks, schools, and coalitions. We believe by expanding the skills and strengths of young people, adults, and youth serving programs, young people will develop positive youth outcomes and, with their adult partners, be engaged in creating positive change in their communities.

Some of HRiA's areas of expertise include:

• Training - HRiA offers a broad array of training for adults, youth, agencies, and coalitions. Based on Paolo Friere's philosophy that we are all teachers and learners, our training style is facilitative and interactive. Trainings explore knowledge and attitudes, best practices, enhance skills, and incorporate sharing of resources and networking opportunities. We customize training to deliver the desired outcomes based on the clients' needs. Topics include youth development approach, youth engagement, youth-adult collaboration, youth advocacy, leadership development, and social marketing. Programs may be built around critical areas such as violence, substance abuse, tobacco prevention, physical health and nutrition, and healthy sexuality. Training for youth is based on the peer leadership model with a special emphasis on advocacy, organizing, social networking, and legislative campaigns.
• Program Development - HRiA works with youth programs, agencies, and coalitions to integrate the youth development approach into broader prevention programs. We frequently help these organizations to develop and measure specific youth-related outcomes within the context of larger programs.
• Curriculum Development - HRiA is a recognized leader in creating peer leadership and other youth development curricula for youth leaders and adults who work with youth.
• Coaching and Mentoring - HRiA provides one-to-one individual support to youth workers, adult advisors, and coalition leaders who are interested in engaging youth in meaningful ways. We also coordinate and facilitate meetings, networking sessions, and conferences to provide attendees with a venue to share best practices and engage in mentoring opportunities.