Abstract
Youth organizing is a practice that enables young people and adults to work together towards individual thriving and community change. In youth organizing, young people identify and address social issues that affect their lives and lead change related to those issues. The objective of this case study is to illustrate one successful model for youth organizing grounded in positive youth development theory and youth-adult partnership, developed through the organization BRIDGES USA in Memphis, Tennessee. We discuss youth-adult partnerships and elaborate components and strengths of youth organizing. We then describe the history and context of BRIDGES, the cycle of work in an academic year, and the practices that bring guiding principles into action. Finally, we call for additional exemplars to sustain and grow youth organizing as a movement toward justice and liberation.
Recommended Citation
Caswell, Caitlin A.; Smith, Maddie; and Thomas, Elizabeth
(2026)
"BRIDGES: Youth Organizing in Memphis,"
Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 21:
Iss.
2, Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/jyd.21.02.17
Available at:
https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol21/iss2/17
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons
