Attitude: The stated or unspoken goal is: "We want to use kids for this event and tap their creative ideas and energy."

 The guiding principle is to involve young people as equal partners in significant and substantive ways.  This mission has clear and consistent support form the top.

Afterthought: Young people are asked for their input even though key decisions have been made.

Adverse group of young people is invited to participate in the decision-making process at the ground floor.

Add-on: Youth workers have many other job responsibilities: A common complaint is "Only 25% of my time is set aside for working with youth."  Another perception is "I’m already doing that with kids" (for instance, providing a safe place with fun activities).

Adult-youth collaboration is recognized as vital but also labor intensive and emotionally demanding.  Adequate staff time signals to the entire organization and young people involved that this is a priority.  Youth infusion represents a quantum leap from traditional participatory youth programming.

9-5 Schedule:  Youth workers are expected to follow the standard workday. Meetings are scheduled when young people are at school or work. There is little appreciation for work done on weeknights and weekends.

Flextime recognizes that working with youths usually occurs at 9pm rather than 9am. Weekend activities including overnight retreats mean adults will get other days off.  Other staff and supervisors should understand comp time.

Inadequate Budget: Money is budgeted for a one-time event or program but there is little funding for follow-up. Time and energy are spent to secure money or food, transportation, and chaperone expenses. The pay differential is significant between those who work on the front lines with youths and other staff.

Wait to begin collaborating with youths until funding is assured. Make sure the budget covers enough staff positions and the compensation is at a level to retain these youth workers. Snacks, travel, overnight retreats, conference calls, and other costs associated with youth infusion are essential. Make available discretionary dollars for unanticipated costs.

Few Opportunities: A bare bones budget means youth workers and youths cannot attend conferences, receive training and acquire new skills. Young people in volunteer positions with responsibilities for which adults receive pay earn no compensation. (The justification is the students are getting great experience.)

A continual stream of opportunities through varied experiences may be the single most effective way to maintain committed young people and also hold onto talented youth workers. Stipends and part-time job opportunities for youths can boost organizational capacity and demand accountability that isn’t possible with volunteers.