LEADING WITH

At Our Best: Introduction

It was inspiring to learn how today’s young people are inheriting and expanding legacies of youth leadership, building on the foundations set by those who came before them. They are driving meaningful progress in equality, inclusion, and justice within a rapidly changing world. This progress becomes possible when adults step in as advocates and partners, empowering young voices and supporting their initiatives. By recognizing and amplifying the contributions of young people—alongside the enduring efforts of supportive adults—we can begin to address social issues more effectively and enact change on a larger scale. This partnership model not only strengthens communities but also ensures that diverse perspectives are respected and included in decision-making processes.

I’ve observed that while the role of youth has shifted across various historical turning points and moments of tension, the resilience and commitment to building collective will and capacity remain steadfast. Across different eras and challenges, young people have consistently been at the forefront, uniting efforts to drive change. Whether through social movements, activism, or community engagement, they continue to harness shared strength and determination to address injustices and advocate for a better future, adapting their approaches to meet the unique demands of each period. This enduring influence highlights the power of youth as a constant force for progress, even in times of friction and societal transformation.

The components of youth-adult partnerships were particularly intriguing, especially the concept of authentic decision-making. This means actively involving young people in decisions that directly impact their lives, allowing them a seat at the table to discuss and deliberate alongside those in power. Reciprocal engagement, based on mutuality, is also crucial to these partnerships, ensuring that both adults and youth contribute and learn from each other. Additionally, fostering community connectedness—strengthening the social networks within a community—lays the foundation for a supportive environment. 

Humanizing practices are essential in tandem with these partnerships, nurturing a healthy, inclusive climate where young people feel recognized and empowered. Implementing these effectively requires adults to stretch beyond their own preconceptions, embracing growth alongside youth. My biggest takeaway is that youth-adult partnerships are profoundly transformative for all involved, creating a space where both youth and adults develop a deeper understanding and sense of agency.

Why Couldn’t That Have Been Me? Reflections on Confronting Adultism in Education Organizing Spaces

A highlight in this chapter was the concept of “Levels of Youth Participation and Power,” a framework for assessing the authenticity of youth leadership. Authentic youth leadership is defined by young people as having genuine power and agency to make decisions that shape their lives and communities. This concept recognizes young people as complete individuals with valuable perspectives and insights, regardless of their age. It underscores the importance of acknowledging that young people understand their needs and aspirations and should not be reduced to merely voicing adult perspectives. Instead, they deserve a platform to express their unique voices and act on their vision, which is essential for meaningful, impactful change.

The following quote resonated with me deeply, as it reminded me of numerous experiences where I personally encountered adultism: “As a system of oppression, adultism (or young people's oppression) is based on the belief that adults carry wisdom and experience that young people do not have, and that it is more valuable than that which is carried by young people.” This belief not only minimizes the unique agency and insights of young people but also restricts their opportunities to actively shape the decisions that impact their lives. Adultism reinforces a hierarchy that marginalizes youth voices, often labeling them as inexperienced or incapable rather than recognizing their potential as insightful contributors.

Yet, when we acknowledge young people as valid and capable bearers of knowledge, we challenge this oppressive system. While adults may indeed have greater life experience, young people bring invaluable perspectives, creativity, and an openness to new ideas that are crucial for addressing current challenges and tackling contemporary issues. Overcoming adultist assumptions requires shifting toward a framework of mutual respect, where both youth and adults are seen as equal contributors of knowledge and experience. By dismantling adultism, we pave the way for meaningful intergenerational collaboration, empowering young people to exercise genuine leadership and fostering a more inclusive, forward-thinking society.