Abstract
Disparities in youth obesity continue despite an increasing number of programs designed to combat this challenge. Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes hold promise for these populations. This study identifies lessons from adult leaders for youth advocacy programs. Youth Engagement & Action for Health! (YEAH!) is a youth advocacy curriculum for PSE change that promotes healthy behaviors. From 2017-2019, 18 youth-serving organizations recruited 11-14 year olds from low-income urban, suburban, and rural areas. 237 participants in 19 youth groups completed YEAH! with 28 adult leaders. YEAH! adult leaders completed pre- and post-surveys on adult leader characteristics, group structure and dynamics, barriers to success, and technical assistance needs. Researchers interviewed adult leaders at the completion of each YEAH! project. This community based participatory research (CBPR) project engaged adult leaders to collect data, analyze coded transcripts and interpret results. Clubs evaluated with positive outcomes were facilitated by adult leaders who had previous engagement with the youth, showed enthusiasm for youth advocacy, and had access to resources to motivate group cohesion, participation, and commitment. The adult leader steering committee synthesized the findings into a set of best practices and strategies to help group leaders be as successful as possible when leading future youth advocacy groups.
Highlights
Adult leaders who lead or facilitate youth advocacy programs generally are not assessed for the quality of their work, and their characteristics and related contributions to this work are understudied
This study focused on YEAH! adult leaders and their experiences leading youth advocacy clubs aimed at PSE changes that improve physical activity and healthy eating
The YEAH! program is designed to allow for flexibility based on club location needs, but there are several ways to set the club up for positive outcomes
Summary
Adult leaders who lead or facilitate youth advocacy programs generally are not assessed for the quality of their work, and their characteristics and related contributions to this work are understudied. The limited literature on this subject shows that programs with positive outcomes are led by adult leaders who share decision-making with youth while mentoring and giving instruction (Zeldin et al, 2013). Effective adult leaders facilitate youth meetings (Zeldin et al, 2008; Zeldin et al, 2014) while improving group cohesion and acting as mediators when necessary (Bozsik et al, 2018). Adult leaders can support youth against practicing unhealthy behaviors, like smoking (Beier et al, 2000), as well as act as mentors for both academic and non-academic success by supporting career and personal goals (McPartland & Nettles, 1991). Adults are reported to support youth psychological empowerment processes (Krauss et al, 2014; Zeldin et al, 2014) and improve social integration (Cargo et al, 2003).
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