- 1). Do a needs assessment and determine if your idea for developing a youth program is viable. Spend time with the target group of youth and get their opinions on your idea for a youth program. If the youth you approach have an enthusiastic response, proceed.
- 2). Write a mission statement to help you develop a vision of how you want the youth program to develop. In a few succinct sentences, a mission statement captures the essence and philosophy that underlies your youth program. Frame your mission statement and hang it on the wall in your home-office so that you will keep it in mind at all times.
- 3). Plan your start-up. Decide if you need more people to help you run the youth program. Advertise for volunteers by putting out the word on the grapevine and posting notices on any bulletin boards in town, such as the ones you find at supermarkets. Approach the local newspaper and see if they will do a story on the youth program because that is a very effective way to let people know about it.
- 4). Determine if you can use local facilities, such as the local library or space at a school, or if you have to lease a building. Ask your friends and neighbors if they know of possible places that could house your youth program.
- 5). Consider a "micro-youth-program," which promotes youth development, operates on a small budget and is staffed by volunteers. The danger with large programs is that the focus often becomes fundraising, rather than helping the youth develop.
- 6). Calculate your budget and see if you require additional funding. Be sure to include all expenses, such as monthly rent, utilities and cleaning costs. Add an additional 15 percent to cover unexpected expenses.
- 7). Develop a youth program plan that outlines the sorts of activities you will offer and figure out the best practice. Study existing youth program models and see what they recommend as being the best practice for dealing with at-risk youth, teen mothers or other special concerns.
- 8). Decide how you are going to evaluate the youth program. Go back to your original mission statement and vision and design an appropriate assessment. Be sure to include all the stakeholders, particularly the youth in the program, in your evaluation.
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