Promote active participation of people in the community

Community Development Model

Youthline is an organisation that relies extensively on the involvement of volunteers.  This not only assists the services that Youthline offers, but also benefits the volunteers and community as well.  Studies have shown that when voluntary participation rates in communities increase, so do levels of confidence and personal effectiveness (McClenaghan, 2000; Chinman & Wandersman, 1999; McClenehan & Shanahan, 1996).  Furthermore, research has shown that increasing levels of participation reduces social exclusion and increases the protective factors that increase the quality of individual and community life.

Youthline’s approach is to both develop the capacity of young people to participate in their communities, as well as extending the wider community’s acceptance of the role young people have to play.  A training and development focus, coupled with a community development approach, differentiates Youthline from other agencies.  This approach allows young people to move beyond struggle and focus on realisation of their potential.