YA4-H! Youth Advocates for Health: Youth Participatory Action Research

Theresa M Ferrari

doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.653

Abstract

Youth participatory action research is a process that is particularly relevant for health-related topics. YA4‑H! Youth Advocates for Health: Youth Participatory Action Research is a resource that youth development professionals can use to guide a group through such a project. The 124-page curriculum is based on key principles of youth development and youth participatory action research. It has 7 sections, each with activities built on the same template that includes the time needed, materials, and facilitator tips, which contributes to ease of use. Youth development professionals can feel confident knowing that the curriculum is research based and addresses adolescents’ developmental needs.

Highlights

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become a popular approach for engaging youth in the exploration of community issues, with the ultimate goal of creating community change (Ozer, 2016a, 2016b)
Youth leadership is crucial throughout participatory action research projects; the authors note that a background in youth–adult partnerships is a prerequisite for successfully engaging in these projects (Arnold & Gifford, 2015)
A recent review concluded that it is likely the principles and processes involved in YPAR, rather than the research topic, that generate these results (Anyon, et al, 2018)

Summary

Introduction

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become a popular approach for engaging youth in the exploration of community issues, with the ultimate goal of creating community change (Ozer, 2016a, 2016b). Participatory action research is a collaborative process that has three components (Ozer, 2016a, 2016b; Ozer, Ritterman, & Wanis, 2010; Powers & Allaman, 2012; Rodriquez & Brown, 2009): investigating meaningful social topics, participating in research to understand the root causes of problems, and taking leadership to disseminate the research findings to policymakers and stakeholders.

Background

Conclusion