The Kinder & Braver World Project portray participatory action research as, “a process through which people investigate meaningful social topics, participate in research to understand the root causes of problems that directly impact them, and then take action to influence policies through dissemination of their findings to policymakers and stakeholders (Powers & Allaman, 2012).” The goal of the research is to expand their social movement into youth communities and encourage leadership. Schneider describes social action as, “by organizing you can stimulate collective action in the community that generates power to create change (Schneider, 2012).” Various programs have been designed to add value and promote positive change within communities.
Everyone has their own perspective on how they feel about a particular problem. Relatively, it is necessary to customize programs that define unique qualities among young people and adults. After engaging with individualized concerns, a plan for social change may be created. The plan should clearly define a purpose and identify goals for addressing change. By involving youthful communities in the developing a plan for social change, young individuals will learn how to address diverse communal issues. They will learn how to relate to others from various backgrounds, cultures, and opinions. Youth engagement models are effective for improving issues surrounding a common goal, as well as promoting relations that will motivate involvement.
Youth United for Change (YUC) is a veteran-based organization established in Philadelphia. The group aims to meet the wishes and needs of young individuals within the community. Generally, group activities and meetings take place in schools in order to reach out to the youth population. Organizers promote relationships and address any ideas or worries that the young community may have regarding the world around them. YUC wants to make sure that juveniles feel like their heard, and their needs are important. Additionally, the process positively impacts leadership skills and relationships. Conclusively, the program is an effective way for children to voice their opinion and propose any questions about social reform.
Powers, C.B., Allaman, E. (2012, December 17). How Participatory Action Research Can Promote Social Change and Help Youth Development – The Kinder & Braver World Project: Research Series. Retrieved April 14, 2017 from http://cyber.harvard.edu/sites/cyber.harvard.edu/files/KBWParticipatoryActionResearch2012.pdf
Schneider, F. W., Gruman, J. A., and Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN 978-1412976381