The seven characteristics of Youth Work
are:
1.
Educational Practice:
When people here of the word educator
they initially think of teachers. As a Youth Worker what attracts us most is
it’s far for than an educator. An educators goal is to engage the students into
their academics and asses them on their grades. For me as a Youth Worker work
closely with Youth in assisting with Life Challenges. My educators helped me in
succeeding in my academics but as a youth worker my past mentors have helped me
succeed through life experiences.
2.
Social Practice:
As a Youth worker we must help youth engage
socially. In our time period technology has its advanced that have created many
way of communicating socially. I feel that technology should be used as a last
resort for communication. Social engagement helps build great rapport between
individuals, and it lead to strong relationships. These strong ties at a young
age will help improve the social behavior of our youth in order to build
healthy relationships.
3.
Youth Workers as Advocates:
To be a youth worker you must be able
to lead. I often use the expression that “you do not need a cape to be a super
hero”. Often youth have either a role model or someone that they look to look
to for guidance to lead them through their life’s journey. The downfall is
often youth will find role models that are not influential which leads them to
making bad decisions. Be the one to advocate the youth on the right past. Lead
by example.
4.
Youth work is a welfare practice:
Youth lives matter. One reason why I decided
to become a youth worker was to be that person that a youth can go to for
mentoring in all aspects of life. By being more open to our youth it will build
comfort in helping our individuals feel safe. It is a goal to make sure
that our youth is safe by incorporating healthy relationships in his/her life.
5.
Youth work is in a variety of settings:
Youth workers can be found in many
different occupations. What separates them from each other is how we strive to
help improve the everyday lives of our youth. There is always a need for youth
workers in our society as we must engage with our youth his/her needs. Parents
play a huge role in a child’s life but many times a Parent must work to provide
for their children. While they are doing their jobs we must do ours, in schools,
after school, and even at summer camps. We must bridge the gap that our youth
is missing by building stronger relationships.
6.
Seeks to strengthen the voice and
influence of young people:
We all have a voice. Everyone’s voice
matters. Many ideas by youth can be seen as irrelevant but it is our job as
youth workers in creating a supportive environment where as our youth cannot
feel alienated.
7.
Youth work works with young people
‘holistically’:
Youth workers have a special bond with
young people. As a youth worker we must have patience with youth in paying
attention to his or her needs. When I say needs not that you will be a servant
to Youth, but you must look out for his/her strengths. Often youth are
misunderstood, and it can be frustrating, but as a youth worker you must be
attentive in identifying the inequalities that youth face as well as being
equal to all youth.
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