The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68884

Deborah Parra-Medina, PhD¹, DeAnne K. H. Messias, PhD, RN², Louise Jennings, PhD³, Sherer W. Royce, MPH⁴, M. Elizabeth Fore, MEd¹, and Kerry McLoughlin, MS¹. (1) Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803 777-3892, dpmedina@.sc.edu, (2) College of Nursing and Women's Studies, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) University of South Carolina, College of Education, Columbia, SC 29208, (4) Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Coastal Carolina University, P.O. Box 261954, Conway, SC 29528-6054

Youth development and empowerment (YD&E) represents a paradigm shift in youth prevention efforts that have traditionally focused on risk reduction. Youth empowerment is a process where adults begin to share responsibility and power with young people in planning and implementation of community-based programs. The University of South Carolina Norman J Arnold School of Public Health has partnered with four community-based youth programs to study how youth development and empowerment theories are being translated into practice. The South Carolina American Legacy Empowerment (SCALE) Evaluation Project used several participatory research strategies (i.e., field observations, photovoice, group process, semi-structured interviews) to incorporate the voices and perspectives of youth, adult program leaders, key community stakeholders and researchers in the development of a community-based youth empowerment program model. This paper will describe specific program dimensions [i.e., opportunities for leadership and decision-making, meaningful community service (outreach/education, civic service, advocacy), respect and recognition, positive adult, peer and community relationships] identified via this participatory research process that will lead to positive youth empowerment and development.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe key elements of an effective community-based youth empowerment program
• Identify multiple assessment strategies for incorporating communities in the research process

Keywords: Participatory Research, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Research funded by the CDC Foundation and the American Legacy Foundation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.