What is youth work?

While reading the article Youth Work: Preparation for Practice, I became familiar with the 7 characteristics of youth work.

One characteristic of Youth Work is that it is an educational practice. As a youth worker myself, I am constantly learning and creating. As someone who does not want to become a teacher, I have the upper hand in educating youth in different ways than an average school teacher would. I work at a pre school/after school enrichment center with children of all different ages who all learn in different ways. This has helped me grow and learn as a youth worker.

The next characteristic of Youth Work is that it is a social practice. Youth workers prefer to work in groups rather than individual work. Groups are another easy way to engage youth as well as to make social personal connections. This gives youth the familiar sense of working and getting along with others.

Another characteristic of youth workers, is actively challenging inequality and working towards social justice. Youth workers are able to recognize power-imbalances. A power imbalance can affect how youth are able to succeed. Youth workers all around have the same main goal, which is to ensure the well being of the youth they are working with.

Another characteristic of Youth Work is that when possible, young people choose to be involved. It is important to encourage youth members to meet individuals who share common interests. This can be an easy way to meet new peers and build new friendships.“Quality of engagement” is extremely important.Working at a pre school, I have noticed that involvement is a major key. If the activities are engaging and exciting, the enthusiasm for that activity will be through the roof.

Youth workers seek to strengthen the voice and influence of young people. We youth workers strive for youth to voice their opinions. It is important to encourage youth and help get their voices heard. Youth workers allow youth to have the voice and decide on how activities would be ran. We want to show them that what they say/think is important and that we are their to listen to them.

The next characteristic of Youth Work is that it is a welfare practice. It is common for youth workers to work with young people who are considered to be in the areas of higher "deprivation." Youth workers find the balance between working towards pre-determined welfare oriented goals.

Lastly, the final characteristic of Youth Work is that it works with young people "holistically". It is extremely important to try and teach youth to be the best they can be. As youth workers, we want to provide youth with positive role models in their life. With the support given, you can be able to completely change their lives around. We must act as the pillar they need in order to succeed.