C&NN 2019 International Conference

A growing body of literature informs us that, in order for young people to assume environmental stewardship roles in their communities, they must not only develop knowledge about environmental issues, but must also be motivated to act, acquire knowledge of the skills and strategies that are required to act, and develop a sense of self and collective efficacy or belief that their actions will make a difference.                                                                                                                                                                
One way in which young people can develop these stewardship competencies is through meaningful participation in community planning efforts that address local environmental issues. In this session, I will present findings from a recently completed multiple case study of youth participatory planning processes that investigates twelve pilot communities that took part in the Great Outdoors Colorado Inspire Initiative, a grant-making effort aimed at better connecting children with nature throughout the state. Through extended interviews with youth and adult leaders in each community and detailed review of related planning documents, I have explored the nuanced qualities and characteristics associated with positive system-wide, social and individual outcomes. The new insights from the study provide lessons for how to effectively engage young people in community planning efforts in order to engender environmental stewardship.