A Swahili proverb tells us "youth development will be brought about by youths themselves." YouthNet could not agree more and the program is based upon this idea. Only through active contribution can young people make safe and informed reproductive health decisions. Although many youth-related programs invite youth participation, more often than not young people serve as peripheral participant for adult-dictated initiatives.

YouthNet is working to engage young people as full partners in planning and executing its programs. Young people advise YouthNet on technical issues as members of its advisory committee, serve professional internships, and co-design courses for helping adults and young people to work together. The goal? That young people working with YouthNet will share what works with other youth-oriented health groups.

Youth-Adult Partnerships. Click here for a discussion of how to form meaningful partnerships and for youth partners in the YouthNet Technical Advisory Group.  YouthLens Number 4  (PDF 67K) summarizes the latest research on the topic.

Youth Involvement Links. Learn about other organizations also partnering with youth.

Barcelona YouthForce. Click here for a description of this international network of youth activists and adult allies who worked to raise awareness of youth at the XIV International AIDS Conference in Barcelona and for the four newsletters published by the YouthForce.

Bangkok YouthForce. Click here for details on the YouthForce campaign at the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok. As a continuation of efforts established during the International AIDS Conference in Barcelona, the Bangkok YouthForce worked to highlight youth issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment.