Pick up a newspaper to read an advertisement from any local youth agency and I'm sure you'll read the same offerings: Homework assistance, parent groups, computer classes, job training, etc.
Maybe the wording is different, maybe there is a spicy additive that slightly sets it apart, but ultimately, the service is the same. When you're providing a service, you're providing resources, knowledge or goods to them for them to utilize on their own.
What makes a service one that youth will utilize and appreciate? Is there a secret formula to creating a service that will attract youth like bees to honey?
Well, studies have shown and commonsense tells that when a service is applicable to what is going on in your life, then it is more likely to be valued above other services. For example, if you are jobless and on the verge of being homeless, then you will most likely be interested in job training services as opposed to home buying classes when you don't even have a job to get the money to get a home.
So, rule number one when creating services to promote to your youth population-- make it relevant. If you have a youth program that already has participants, you can make your services relevant by conducting focus groups to get feedback from those youth already in your program. If you are beginning a program within your community that will offer services, do focus groups within your community to assess what the community needs are so your services will be relevant. Nothing ends a business quicker than offering services no one wants, needs or asked for.
Rule number two would be to make sure supports are in place for the young people you are offering services to. Supports are things done with your youth clients. They are elements that make it possible for your youth clients to take advantage of your services.
For example, if you are offering tutoring services to your youth clients who are low income, what are some supports that need to be in place? Well, if during your focus group you found that many of your potential participants in the tutoring program don't have transportation or money to pay for transportation to get to your location, a support would be to offer bus tokens to those who utilize your tutoring services. In short, supports are what make your services successful.
