How to become A Youth Leader

In a noble and heart-warming effort to generate a massive and much-needed transformation in a global society, Youth Leaders create a stimulating yet safe environment that unlocks opportunities for youngsters to acquire the leadership potential they need in all spheres of life.

• Youth Counsellor

What do Youth Leaders do?

A Youth Leader would typically need to:

• Plan, organise and implement diverse activities that have a positive impact on the lives of young people in their communities
• Lead a range of activities involving science, maths, art, drama, physical education, technology, and language arts; create appropriate clubs
• Take up classes to teach health education, leadership skills, peer interaction skills, and drug abuse prevention
• Assess the needs of members and run projects that focus on ways to deal with bullying, crime and addictive substances effectively
• Undertake school programmes and community-centric projects; make sure the events and meetings for the youth group run as per plan
• Form and athletic clubs across various age groups and genders to instill camaraderie, proper sportsmanship, self-esteem, and accountability
• Arrange hiking trips, overnight camping trips, and community-service programmes
• Ensure the security and well-being of juvenile residents in detention and emergency care shelters
• Encourage teen parents and juvenile criminal offenders to obtain a high school diploma and vocational training
• Offer spiritual study workshops to enhance teen development; teach conflict resolution skills, communication techniques, and collaborative skills
• Build and maintain favourable relationships with local businesses and community organisations that can support the programme
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders in the community to arrange fundraising events and volunteer opportunities for youth members
• Monitor the work of volunteers/part-time workers at fundraising and family events to ensure participation and adherence to organisational objectives
• Make sure parental communication, generation of confidential reports, and absence and attendance verification help in successful administration of the programme
• Plan for and work towards judicious budgets; apply for grants and funding

Youth Leaders work in diverse settings, from a school to a community centre to a religious place of worship. Their day may be spent at a computer, in meetings, or at outdoor events.

In addition to children of all ages, from elementary school students to high schoolers, Youth Leaders may work with young adults up to age 24. Close interaction with social workers, teachers, probation officers, community leaders, and the police is the norm. Travel to different locations may also be part of the job description

Most Youth Leader positions are full-time; part-timers may need to work evenings and weekends.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Youth Leaders can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Youth Leaders are generally employed by:

• National and International Non-Profit Organisations
• Educational Institutions
• Religious Organisations
• Community Centres
• Youth Organisations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the World Youth Leaders Organisation (WYLO), are crucial for Youth Leaders interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Emotional stress from helping youth members deal with traumatic experiences safely and effectively
• Exhaustion due to physical demands on time and energy
• Lack of expertise to meet employer’s expectations
• Insufficient funds during times of economic uncertainty

Prospective Youth Leaders with a bachelor’s degree in a related field will be considered for the role if they have at least one year of experience working with children. In contrast, those with an associate degree need at least three years of similar experience.

In addition, any background in youth work, counselling, and collaborating with government counterparts, local councils, and schools is a prerequisite in most locations.

Most employers provide on-the-job training focused on the organisational mission, its programmes and activities, policies and procedures, and the Youth Leader’s role and responsibilities. Training in leadership skills and techniques, essential to lead and motivate present-day youth, is also a distinct possibility. 

Courses that help participants unlock their leadership potential offer practical training in leadership, presentation, campaign, advocacy, negotiation, policy engagement, media skills, and confidence building. They encourage youngsters to gain managerial skills and be proactive about local community issues through volunteering or fundraising.

In addition to teaching leadership and employment skills, such programmes offer their students a rare chance to visit influential leaders in the private, public and voluntary sectors and build a valuable network to help their careers thrive.

Volunteer with organisations that train young people to run workshops and residential seminars which aim to inspire the global community of youth to make a difference through understanding and action, based on effective and compassionate leadership.

Employers generally prefer prospective Youth Leaders with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in youth development, youth studies, counselling, education, social work, psychology, health services management, human services, business, or criminal justice. 

A few applicants may be able to land entry-level jobs with an associate degree in the fields mentioned earlier.

Consider completing a certificate programme in leadership development. An ideal course incorporates a youth-led approach; it includes interactive social action activities designed and led by young people. 

The education providers seek to teach management and teamwork skills that empower, raise aspirations, enable participation, and voice and advance young leadership. Knowledge of local and national laws and regulations will come in handy.

Also available are online diplomas in youth leadership, which offer keen insight into play/recreation leadership, bushcraft and wilderness activities, survival skills, child/adolescent/developmental psychology, health and fitness, motivation, self-sufficiency, and career counselling.

Look out for youth leadership workshops that use guest speakers, interactive learning, and skills masterclasses revolving around leadership, power, influence and democracy.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ across regions. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Accredited first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated external defibrillator), OSHA (occupational safety and health administration), and lifeguard certifications may be mandatory, since they come in handy during emergencies and help administer to sick or injured children.

In addition, certifications in sustainability, child development, youth leadership, and IT skills from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and become an independent consultant.

A valid driver’s licence may be necessary for work-related transportation.

A mandatory employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Youth Leaders who can move into managerial or supervisory roles. One can become a Program Director or Program Coordinator. An eventual rise to top executive positions in national and international organisations is a viable option.

Youth Leaders may opt for a career focused on program development/administration/management, policymaking, advocacy, teaching, community development, social work, or counselling.

Some Youth Leaders may choose to become Consultants or Trainers, while others may start their organisations.

Candidates who are excellent at communication and possess leadership skills have the best job prospects when accompanied by a bachelor’s degree in youth development, requisite certifications, and relevant work experience.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Youth Leader build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Moving to a new company, obtaining additional qualifications, and honing your leadership and managerial skills are all sure-fire ways to qualify for a promotion and increase your pay.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Youth Leaders are fully responsible for their work and schedule. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk. 

On the other hand, a full-time Youth Leader has organisation-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Fast Facts

According to the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), more than 600 million youth live in vulnerable and conflict-affected regions worldwide. These youngsters have repeatedly proven their potential to work together, help manage conflict, and promote peace.

45% of internet users worldwide are under 25, and 30% of the world’s youth have been active online for at least five years.

Decent work and livelihood as one of the chief determinants of socio-economic empowerment among youth contribute heavily to sustainable human development.

Social media channels, innovative informal groupings, and heightened engagement in volunteering have significantly impacted the resurgence of youth mobilisation in recent times.

The challenges are many, the demands overwhelming, but their ability to relate to young people, understand their needs and concerns and motivate them to fulfil their potential is what drives Youth Leaders to deliver youth-led social action projects that will bring sustained change.

“Do all the good you can.

By all the means you can.

In all the ways you can.

In all the places you can.

At all the times you can.

To all the people you can.

As long as ever you can.”

John Wesley