Young people who serve on youth advisory boards learn that their voice, opinions and perspective are important. By voicing their ideas, concerns and solutions, these youths gain self-confidence and poise in front of a group of strangers. Encourage kids to keep informed regarding conditions and situations occurring in their local communities as well as on a national scale. They can use common points of interest when voicing their ideas and attempting to get goals accomplished. Another general benefit of kids speaking on behalf of other kids is that young people tend to trust the claims and decisions of their peers more easily than an adult authority figure.
Youths who sit on advisory boards serve the purpose of delivering their peers' concerns to adult authority figures responsible for making decisions important to their own as well as their peers daily lives. Youth board advisers also learn how to effectively convey their thoughts, words and beliefs to adults. This process requires practice, an additional benefit of repeatedly addressing adult board members. As young board members continue to deliver their messages to the appropriate adults, they acquire the necessary understanding related to getting their point across and desires met. Often times, youth board advisers are given a set amount of time to air their grievances or make their pleas. Being forced to abide by this set time also enables them to learn how to succinctly convey their most pressing needs.
Youths who serve on advisory boards enjoy the benefit of practicing public speaking skills. Typically, when board members make announcements or argue a point, they address only a few adult authority figures. These kids also experience the importance of taking the time [prior to speaking] to properly prepare what they intend to say. Encourage kids to get their thoughts organized and as well as prioritize them so that when they appear in front of their adult contacts they are as articulate and composed as possible.
Youths who serve on an advisory board representing their peers are put in a position of leadership. As soon as classmates find out that they are one of the people representing them in front of adult authority, peers approach them with concerns and ideas. Help kids become comfortable with their new position and status by reminding them that their new title benefits their friends and classmates as long as they continue to take their reservations under consideration. Youths also get a chance to practice creative problem solving and patience as well as exercise the determination required to accomplish goals. All of these traits are helpful throughout life for individuals desiring a position of leadership.