SD 34 (Abbotsford) is working hard to incorporate youth voice into all aspects of the school day in a meaningful way. Listen to Nathan describe how their district uses data from the YDI (Youth Development Instrument) to gain insight into students' experiences and inform changes in the district, including how the district authentically engaged youth to explore YDI data and move to action.
Key Takeaways:
- Meaningful youth engagement means valuing ALL youth voices and working to listen to the youth voices that may be marginalized
- Youth engagement also requires trust and clear expectations around what can come up
- It’s important to stay accountable to youth whose voices you have engaged and keep them updated as plans progress
- Youth engagement should be happening on issues that are meaningful to students, rather than issues that are trivial or unimportant
- Lived experience and the opportunity to share your story is important
- Youth and adults need to be equals at that table, everyone’s opinion matters
The Youth Development Instrument (YDI) is a self-report questionnaire. The YDI is designed to learn about the social and emotional development, health, and well-being of young people 16-17 years of age. The YDI can help identify individual and contextual resources, opportunities, and practices that foster or hinder positive youth development. Learn more about the YDI here.
