The switch we are making is from training just Adults to including Adults and Youth. The picture describes the group. We ranged from 7th grade to… well, older adults… like myself! As one of the pastors told me, “This far exceeded what I expected.”
I have to admit that as over 30 kids and adults gathered and I watched all the younger teens pile in… I wondered how it would go.
Two reflections… when you treat youth as valued leaders they will surprise us every time. They become the very leaders we wish them to be. Early on I learned I needed a staff to work with, and the very best staff was the youth themselves.
The second reflection… Trust the process. The PML training is good. It is very good. It works. The process is experiential and it is about the topic that is most important to youth, their friendships.
I am leaving Missoula a believer. Youth need to be included in the facilitator training.
