SEVEN characteristics of Youth Work

Jessica Brotka

The SEVEN characteristics of Youth Work as defined in this chapter are, Youth work is an educational practice, Youth work is a social practice, Youth workers actively challenge inequality and work towards social justice, where possible young people choose to be involved, youth work seeks to strengthen the voice and influence of young people, youth work is a welfare practice, and youth work works with young people ‘historically’.

Under the first characteristic Youth work is an educational practice, I have experienced this because I helped a group of youth in a small setting with creative ways to learning things. It may have been as simple as playing games. The youth worker can adapt to working in many places. This section is about how the youth workers creates different learning styles and how it adapts to working in many places, and the youth worker is helping the youth have different opportunities to express themselves.

Second characteristics is youth work is a social practice it explains why it is this because of how youth workers goal is to arrange how to work in groups for a better environment. It is important to remember a part of what this sections states “Social Justice also enables young people (and practitioners) to rest their values, attitudes and behaviors in the context of being with others: the essence of something called ‘pro-social ‘modeling. “( Youth Work Preparation for Practice)

Third characteristics is Youth workers actively challenge inequality and work towards social justice. What is discussed is that most youth workers increasingly engage with the youth. There is a big difference from doing something told, then doing it because you care. “Crucially, this position the role of the youth worker as one who seeks to address power imbalances rather than merely say or do the right things to avoid unlawful discriminations.” (chapter 14) They need the ability and right to take charge in the situation to work with the youth so they can explore their creativity to be able.

Fourth characteristic is where possible, young people choose to be involved. “Young people have traditionally chosen to be involved with youth work, rather than participating because they are compelled to (Youth Work Preparation for Practice) ) The most important thing I learned in this area is you need to give options, do not make the youth feel forced, bring options or different ways to interest the youth. Youth are equal in making decisions in programs, organizations, projects etc. Programs and activities should be developed with youth, rather for youth. When I mentored with youth I didn’t ask for their opinion on an activity I put together. I was taken back that a large majority of them didn’t like it. So, the head teacher explained to me to sit with them and write down different ideas they had. I did this and reworked my activity, a big issue was they didn’t like the obstacle course in the gym so I moved it into the field.

Fifth characteristic is Youth work seeks to strengthen the voice and influence of young people.

The voice of a youth worker is important it inspires and makes changes. That is what this characteristic is talking about. How the youth worker expresses themselves and opinions in different places has a lot of impact. Their voice is a through reflection upon how youth workers and youth experience who they are and what you represent. One’s voice defines the value you bring to others.

Sixth characteristic is Youth work is a welfare practice. The first sentence explains clearly what this characteristic does. “It is the contention of this book that youth work is a welfare practice that, alongside its primary education role, promotes ‘the welfare and safety of young people.’ (Banks 20110b: 10) This characteristic crucial because it emphasizes the importance of education. Youth face many struggles and different things may interrupt their educational goals.

Seventh characteristic is Youth work works with young people ‘holistically’. This talking about the things youth work contributes to in someone’s life. The youth workers do not just pick one thing to be there primary focus because it is not helping others situation they are in.  Youth workers approach other youth. You begin this in a holistic manner from where they are at in life, and you continually build from that. This gives youth the confidence and skills they need to learn, work, communicate, and attain things in life.

I after learning about these things I realized I have experienced many of them, or heard of situations like these.

As a youth worker, I had a lot of experience when I mentored in The Met school in Providence. I was a 9^th grade mentor and assisted the advisor with the students who needed extra help. I helped create activities and we ran little exercises to get the class motivated.  Another example of my youth worker was participating in the Beat the Streets program, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed how I could be directly involved.