This toolkit of forty-eight activities (plus twenty-four bonus activities in the first section) is designed for youth to form strong intragroup connections and build the ability to take on authentic leadership roles within their program and community. Group-development theory states that youth must experience strong relationships with each other in order to exert authority and have the confidence to take risks, open up, and learn from mistakes as leaders, planners, and program designers. They must also learn processes to manage transitions and experience structured tools for facilitation and group process. When adults carefully model and facilitate these critical components, youth will be able to replicate them when they are in charge.

By using the activities in this toolkit, any youth development practitioner can apply the principles of “fading facilitation” to authentically transfer power and autonomy to youth over time.

In Creating Smooth Transitions, we provide eight types of transitional periods and a variety of activities to structure each.

In Getting Into Groups, we offer strategies to form one-to-one and small group connections using games.

In Facilitating Connections and Exchanges, you will find strategies to support continued appreciation and acknowledgement of youth.

In Youth-Led Problem Solving, we offer eight critical facilitation tools to structure brainstorming, problem solving, and giving input and feedback.

In Response-Ability, we offer activities and techniques to channel youth voices and leadership toward making meaningful community change, teaching youth they have the ability to respond to community needs.

In Celebrations and Closings, we provide a participatory approach to honor youth contributions through activities and events.Be the Change Consulting provides high quality curriculum, learning experiences & consulting for organizations.