Presented By: Parissa Ballard, Ph.D., Wake Forest Health Sciences

Description:

Engaging youth in their communities in meaningful ways can benefit community organizations and youth themselves. This presentation will provide an overview of theories and evidence regarding the benefits of youth community engagement to organizations (for example, strengthening youth-focused prevention programs and policies) and to youth themselves (for example, promoting a sense of empowerment and meaningful contribution). This presentation will also provide developmentally informed information and suggestions for practitioners and organizations to engage youth in a way that promotes youth development.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the benefits of engaging youth in their communities.
2. Identify the role youth engagement can play in substance misuse prevention (for both organizations and youth themselves).
3. Utilize insights from developmental science to inform when and how you engage young people in your community work.
    

About Parissa Ballard, Ph.D., Wake Forest Health Sciences

Parissa Ballard, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dr. Ballard is a developmental psychologist with expertise in child and adolescent development and youth civic engagement.Her research focuses on the intersection of civic engagement and health and wellness among adolescents and young adults.