--- title: Embracing Young People’s Capacity to Lead description: Dr. Joanna Williams shares her thoughts on how to encourage youth thriving after attending the US Dept of Education's interagency Youth Policy Summit. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/b475848e-c166-43a9-9315-b944d196e7de-1.jpg --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog March 13, 2024 4 Minutes Read By : [Joanna Williams, Ph.D., M.S.Ed.](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/joanna-williams-ph-d-m-s-ed-) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Embracing Young People’s Capacity to Lead [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fembracing-young-peoples-capacity-to-lead%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fembracing-young-peoples-capacity-to-lead%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fembracing-young-peoples-capacity-to-lead%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fembracing-young-peoples-capacity-to-lead%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/b475848e-c166-43a9-9315-b944d196e7de-1.jpg) # Embracing Young People’s Capacity to Lead By [Joanna Williams, Ph.D., M.S.Ed.](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/joanna-williams-ph-d-m-s-ed-) March 12 2024 4 Minutes Read In February, The Biden-Harris Administration brought together nearly 90 young people from across the nation for the first-ever interagency [Youth Policy Summit: Cultivating Possibilities](https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-holds-first-ever-interagency-youth-policy-summit-cultivating-possibilities). The summit was organized in partnership with youth, and provided policymakers from federal agencies an opportunity to hear directly from young people about how to improve policies and programs to encourage youth thriving. ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/LzwyHIa0DqBmttijzoMclc8EtJtzth7bqf-YFfPXurlNrXTmWuhcIUioH7uDktXosbmATbuXQkv5Qsll3gbEkKhZqGPjpo8268q7eMiqqbmmaw7GifmhzsBEU6KLgxAUM2Qt3VnA9s-0MLFv0LABvg.png?width=400&height=210&name=LzwyHIa0DqBmttijzoMclc8EtJtzth7bqf-YFfPXurlNrXTmWuhcIUioH7uDktXosbmATbuXQkv5Qsll3gbEkKhZqGPjpo8268q7eMiqqbmmaw7GifmhzsBEU6KLgxAUM2Qt3VnA9s-0MLFv0LABvg.png)Search Institute’s Senior Director of Research, [Dr. Joanna Williams](https://searchinstitute.org/team-members/joanna-williams-ph-d-m-s-ed), attended the summit and participated in a panel discussion, "Plenary on Research, Evidence, and Storytelling: Storytelling as Evidence." The discussion was motivated by the question, "What happens when research is done without attention to equity vs. with it?" ## Thriving and Equity A fundamental assumption of positive youth development is that *all* young people have the capacity to thrive. All youth possess strengths, and when those strengths are supported and nourished by [assets](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-assets-framework) in communities and [developmental relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive), they are more likely to thrive. Imagine what might be possible if we collectively embraced this belief in the capacity of youth? The organizers of the  [Youth Policy Summit: Cultivating Possibilities](https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-holds-first-ever-interagency-youth-policy-summit-cultivating-possibilities) centered that idea— and the young people from around the country shared their visions for a just world where their ideas are respected and acted upon. ## A Seat at the Table Fireside chats between young people and agency leaders, including Department of Education [Secretary Miguel Cardona](https://twitter.com/SecCardona/status/1757532585918394481), Department of Health and Human Services Secretary [Xavier Becerra](https://twitter.com/SecBecerra/status/1757449565505032553), and acting Department of Labor [Secretary Julie Su](https://twitter.com/ActSecJulieSu/status/1758131597356765336) were a highlight.  Young people from [YR Media](https://yr.media/), the [Justice and Joy National Collaborative](https://justiceandjoynatl.org/), and the [National Youth Employment Coalition](https://nyec.org/) offered insights into ways that agencies and systems can align to better meet the needs of youth and their communities. The young people asked questions and proposed solutions that pushed leaders to think critically about policy gaps and opportunities.   The summit offered a glimpse of what it can look like for adults to share power and expand possibilities with and for young people. These are critical elements of [developmental relationships](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework), close connections through which young people discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework identifies five strategies to strengthen and deepen the relationships that help young people thrive.  The recent summit is a shining example of two key strategies: [share power](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework) and [expand possibilities](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework). ### Sharing Power The essence of [sharing power](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework) is treating young people with respect and giving them a say. It requires a commitment to inclusion and collaboration, and to letting young people lead. When we share power with young people, we  - **Respect** them by taking them seriously and treating them fairly - **Involve** them in decision that affect their lives - **Collaborate** with them to solve problems and reach goals - **Let them lead** by creating opportunities for them to take action and lead There are [approaches to sharing power](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/approaches-to-sharing-power) that practitioners and leaders can use in classrooms, programs, and informal settings. For example, we can **encourage choice** by letting them pick partners, groups, or activities; decide how to spend free time; or select topics. Encouraging voice means inviting young people to share thoughts and opinions and reminding them that their voices are important in and beyond the classroom or program. ### Expanding Possibilities To [expand possibilities](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework) means connecting youth with people and places that broaden their world. For example, we can - Inspire them to see possibilities in their future - Broaden their horizons by exposing them to new ideas, experiences, and places - Connect them by introducing them to people who can help them grow [Approaches to expanding possibility](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/approaches-to-expanding-possibilities) include using culturally responsive content, introducing options, and helping them go deeper into subjects or interests that engage and energize them. When we share power and expand possibilities with young people, they are better able to develop their abilities and resources to shape their lives and communities. ## A Critical Need Unfortunately, our research shows that “share power” and “expand possibilities” are the [least commonly experienced elements of developmental relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/state-of-relationships-webinar). For example, 40-49% of young people say their school and youth program staff connect them, include them, broaden their horizons, or let them lead only “a little” or “somewhat.”  As a point of comparison, only 10-19% of the same youth say adults expect their best, set boundaries, or hold them accountable “a little” or “somewhat.”  Relationships that expand possibilities and share power are an important means for building connections that facilitate access to [educational and occupational resources](https://www.search-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SOCAP_Deliverable_121720.pdf) and for meeting young people’s developmental needs. Opportunities to explore, make decisions, and contribute are essential for the development of agency, identity, sense of purpose, and well-being. These opportunities can also foster a sense of belonging, which supports positive mental health and school engagement, and strengthens pathways to future education and employment as youth transition into adulthood. ## A Perception Gap Unfortunately, many adults believe they are sharing power and expanding possibilities, but the young people they serve do not share their perceptions. For instance, about 85% of school and youth program staff reported sharing power compared to 63% of youth in those settings.  Similarly, [73% of adults believed they were expanding possibilities](https://searchinstitute.org/10-years-of-developmental-relationships), compared to 51% of youth (Houltberg, Scales, & Williams, 2023). Adults acknowledge several barriers to fostering strong developmental relationships, from different lived experiences to systemic inequalities. Some also note challenges[in sharing power](https://www.search-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SOCAP_Deliverable_121720.pdf) . ## A Youth-Powered Future The interagency Youth Policy Summit offered an incredible platform for modeling what it looks like to share power and expand possibilities. It is exciting to imagine the new policy ideas and partnerships that will be supported by investments from the Funders for Adolescent Science Translation, a group committed to including young people in the work of advancing federal youth policy. National Events like the Youth Policy Summit can galvanize classrooms, programs, and communities to do a better job of empowering young people and centering youth voices.  Many excellent tools are available for exploring and deepening these practices. Search Institute’s[Student Voice Toolkit](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/student-voice-toolkit) is designed to support educators in measuring and advancing practices that support youth voice.  We believe in the capacity of young people to learn, grow, and shape their world. We can play our role by sharing power and expanding possibilities in ways that will help them recognize and claim their power to embrace their futures. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/0494d8bb-f27a-40de-b323-7660c637c8f4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/0494d8bb-f27a-40de-b323-7660c637c8f4) #### Joanna Williams, Ph.D., M.S.Ed. Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/YES-FinalReport-Image.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/thriving) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 3 Min Read ### [Supporting Youth Thriving: Measures for Youth Strengths and Needs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Search Institute February 26 2026](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1430112822.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/8-guiding-principles-to-activate-developmental-relationships) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) 3 Min Read ### [8 Guiding Principles to Activate Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/8-guiding-principles-to-activate-developmental-relationships) [Search Institute February 04 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![Group of young people involved in Good Trouble organization.](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/GoodTrouble.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/good-trouble-flipping-the-troubled-youth-narrative) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Student Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/student-voice) [Youth Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [Field Partner Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/field-partner-spotlight) 5 Min Read ### [Good Trouble: Flipping the “Troubled Youth” Narrative](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/good-trouble-flipping-the-troubled-youth-narrative) [Search Institute June 03 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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