By: Cindy Carlson
Over the years, working closely with youth co-trainers – in my own city, at HYCY conferences, and across the country – I have had some heart-stopping moments. Some left me breathless, such as the time my co-trainer showed up without her shoes, or one time he didn’t show up at all. Some left me speechless: witnessing the power and wisdom of someone with a gift for reaching her peers or another filled with hope that his generation will change his community. I believe that co-training with youth can be a dynamic and effective way to deliver a positive youth development and empowerment message. I offer these tips, for both adults and youth trainers, to help make it the most positive and dynamic experience possible:
For adults sharing your training with youth:
1. Offer a meaningful role. Don’t underestimate the ability of youth to take on a chunk of the training content. Avoid the tendency to have them just answer questions, share their story or lead the energizer. Young people can have a deep and intuitive understanding of the developmental assets and other related messages and may be very adept at articulating it and facilitating learning. So share the limelight!
2. Be clear on roles and responsibilities. In our training partnerships we don’t assume anything. As a matter of course, we spell out all the expectations of preparedness and talk through the ins and outs of the training design. We decide on time signals, interventions and comfortable ways of backing up the other person. Since we will be working side by side, we must be clear on how to share the load.
3. Mentor new trainers. Many youth have never spoken in public in their own community or traveled to a conference. They don’t know the ins and outs of microphones or carry-on luggage or managing a hotel room key. Find a way to discuss, peer to peer, what you might encounter within the upcoming opportunity and how you both can be prepared.
For youth taking on the role of trainer:
1. Be prepared and then prepare some more. There is a real temptation to ‘wing it’, especially if you are a gifted speaker and passionate about the topic. But training is a huge commitment between someone who is chosen to share their knowledge and an audience who trusts they will have a quality experience. Work with your adult co-trainer train on the upcoming experience and then practice on your own.
2. Be yourself. As the person in front of the room, whether it is filled with teens or adults, you are placed in a position of authority. So there are a lot of expectations for you to bring your most mature behavior. On the other hand, you have been asked to present because you are young and have a unique perspective. So don’t lose your enthusiasm, authenticity or sense of humor.
3. In spite of the extra preparation and sensitivity it takes to create a good youth and adult training team, the results can be enjoyable and rewarding – and a powerful learning experience for the participants.
