Youth Leadership. Insights into Issues in Education.

Educators from around the United States convened for a conference focusing on youth leadership. Participants included classroom teachers, independent education consultants, school administrators, individuals affiliated with universities, and educators affiliated with such institutions as the YMCA, the YWCA, exchange programs, and museums. Two ideas emerged as central to the discussion: (1) the distinction between youth leadership and student leadership, and (2) the understanding of leadership as service performed in the context of a community. Student leadership usually refers to activities that students undertake within their schools or as token representatives of students elsewhere. Youth leadership presumes that young people can engage in effective behavior and exercise thoughtful influence on the course of human events. Leadership was generally seen as intentional action that influenced the course of events. Most of the participants wanted young people to develop leadership skills that would serve the welfare of their community and the world. Other issues and ideas that were discussed include: (1) vision, (2) world-view, (3) heroes, (4) personal responsibility, (5) student control, (6) risk taking, (7) process, (8) power, (9) systems, (10) competition, (11) reinforcement, (12) maintaining childhood, (13) skills, (14) obstacles, (15) money, and (16) fellowship. A list of participants and information about the sponsoring agencies concludes the document. (JB)