Regional Initiatives
Communities for Youth Regional Initiatives are areas of Idaho that have committed to bringing organizations and community members together to build the best possible communities for young people.
Regional Initiatives go through a structured five-year undertaking wherein they work to implement the Communities for Youth data-driven community engagement process with support from the Communities for Youth Empowerment Team.
All Regional Initiatives have at least one dedicated staff member within the community (a "Community Contact") who is dedicated to moving the work forward and helping the community take strategic action towards improving youth well-being. The Community Contact for a regional initiative works with a Relationship Manager and other members of the Communities for Youth Empowerment Team to move prevention upstream.
Emerging Initiatives are similar to Regional Initiatives in that they are in communities that want to work towards implementing the Communities for Youth process. Emerging Initiatives are working towards becoming a Regional Initiative, but may not have all the pieces in place to do so yet.
Our Process
Current Regional and Emerging Initiatives
A key part of “moving upstream” is increasing our understanding of what contributes to youth mental health challenges. Also, because each community is different, collecting community-specific data, usually in the form of a youth survey is a key piece of our process.
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REGIONAL INITIATIVE FAQs
What are the benefits of becoming a Regional Initiative?
Regional Initiatives are on a path to improving youth well-being across their community. The Communities for Youth process works to increase community collaboration and buy-in across multiple sectors for moving youth programming and services upstream. Regional Initiatives receive dedicated support from the Communities for Youth Empowerment team.
How Does a Community or Area Become a Regional Initiative?
Regional Initiatives sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Communities for Youth that helps ensure there are specific structures and supports in place. At a minimum communities need an anchor organization that will support at least a part-time Community Contact and at least one school district willing to work towards conducting a Youth Well-being Survey.
What Do I Do if My Community Isn't Ready to Become a Regional Initiative?
Becoming an Emerging Initiative may be the right step for many communities, but there are additional options for communities, schools/districts, and other entities that want to learn more about upstream prevention and start building community awareness.
I'm Just One Person, How Can I Build Community Support for Upstream Prevention?
If you are a parent or concerned community member we recommend getting involved in youth issues in your area as a first step. Attending local meetings/educational events about youth and better understanding what is available for them locally is key. Schools and youth-serving organizations also commonly need both volunteers and financial support. If you are already engaging in activities like these, the next step is likely working with local leaders to collaboratively address youth well-being.
How Much Does Working with Communities for Youth Cost?
This varies widely depending on the resources and support that already exist in your community.
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​Middle and high schools with the Idaho Department of Education have Youth Well-being Survey have technical assistance costs covered for 2024-2025.
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Schools/communities in certain regions of the state may be covered under existing funding.
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Communities for Youth will work with communities seeking grant and other funding for capacity building and other services, to achieve their goals.
Speak with One of Our Relationship Managers
Questions about how to partner with us or services we offer?
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For additional information:
communities4youth@gmail.com