The Innovation Center: Youth Development, Civic Engagement, and Activism

	“The Innovation Center is particularly good at understanding and engaging young people around issues of sexuality, ethnicity, class, and other experiences of diversity. They see each issue as fundamental to who young people are and who they will become as adults.” — Stephen T. Russell, Associate Professor, Division of Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona
	The tools and resources below offer strategies and lessons from the field on promoting youth development by engaging young people in civic engagement and activism around issues of great importance to them.
	Creating Change: How Organizations Connect with Youth, Build Communities, and Strengthen Themselves This booklet explores the complex links between youth development, community engagement, and social justice. The Innovation Center has been studying these links through partnerships with local and national organizations, universities, foundations, and businesses. We are learning what works in big cities, small towns, and rural communities. The stories in this book highlight the work of our partners to engage, empower, and strengthen young people and their communities. Download free of charge
	Learning and Leading: A Tool Kit for Youth Development and Civic Activism This research-based tool kit provides practical training activities and tools on civic activism as a strategy for developing personal, community, and organizational leadership. It includes promising practices, vignettes, and training materials. Download Samples from Intro Section Download Samples from Personal Leadership Section Download Samples from Organizational Leadership Section Download Samples from Community Leadership Section $39.99 USD. Shipping and handling fees apply. Add to cart
	Extending the Reach of Youth Development Through Civic Activism: Research Results from the Youth Leadership for Development Initiative This scholarly report demonstrates the link between civic activism and youth development and highlights the impact that civic activism can have on youth and community development. Download free of charge.
	Lessons in Leadership: How Young People Change Their Communities and Themselves This brief report distills the key lessons and impacts of thoughtful youth involvement through civic activism. Download free of charge or Add to cart to order a free, printed copy.
	Broadening the Bounds of Youth Development: Youth as Engaged Citizens This publication provides an overview of youth development theory, examines the disconnect between youth development and civic engagement, and reflects on ways community leadership and civic activism can be incorporated into youth development. Download free of charge.
	Youth Leadership for Development Initiative This booklet by Ford Foundation Program Officer Inca Mohamed and Innovation Center President Wendy Wheeler outlines the concept behind the Youth Leadership for Development Initiative (YLDI), a “learning initiative” to explore civic activism as a strategy for youth development. Download free of charge.
	© 2007 Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development