Youth participation in advisory boards offers fresh perspectives and long-term benefits
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EmailInviting young people to take seats at the decision-making table offers unique perspectives and youth inclusion on advisory boards is proving to be beneficial not only for youth development, but also for the organization they serve.
The Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program firmly believes that young people deserve a seat at the table – especially when decisions directly affect them. MSU Extension staff actively seek youth to serve in leadership roles and participate in decision-making bodies that shape both the local and statewide 4-H program.
As more organizations recognize the importance of inclusive governance, the value of youth participation has never been more clear. When young people are empowered to lead, contribute and collaborate as equals, organizations benefit – often in ways that are transformative. Including youth on advisory boards isn’t just symbolic; it drives meaningful change and strengthens outcomes for everyone involved. Here are some of the key advantages of involving youth in advisory and leadership roles:
- Fresh perspectives and innovation
- Young people often bring energy, creativity and a willingness to think outside the box.
- They are often unafraid to challenge conventional thinking and propose bold, forward-thinking solutions.
- Authentic representation of youth issues
- When decisions affect young people – whether in education, health, mental wellness, the environment or social media – youth must be at the table.
- Their lived experiences offer critical insights that adults alone may not fully understand.
- Diverse and inclusive leadership
- Including youth ensures that leadership bodies better reflect the communities they serve.
- This diversity is especially important in sectors such as education, community development and public health.
- Skill development and empowerment
- Serving on boards gives youth the opportunity to build leadership, communication, decision-making and civic engagement skills.
- It also creates pathways for mentorship, confidence-building and professional growth.
- Stronger connections with youth communities
- Youth board members serve as natural ambassadors, helping organizations engage more authentically with their peers.
- Strengthens outreach, builds trust and enhances the impact of youth-focused initiatives.
- Long-term investment in leadership
- Involving youth now builds a pipeline of informed, capable and engaged leaders now and in the future.
- Organizations benefit from developing relationships with future changemakers early on.
- Intergenerational collaboration
- Boards that include multiple age groups can foster mutual learning, respect and shared problem-solving across generations.
- This dynamic enriches decision-making and encourages collective problem-solving.
Organizations interested in incorporating young people on advisory boards don’t need to navigate the process alone. MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development offers training for both youth and adults on how to best build a youth-adult partnership and grow youth voice. If interested in training, contact the leadership civic and cultural engagement work team for training opportunities.
