Academy for Educational Development

Richmond Youth Put Their City’s Resources on the Map

Just a few hours into their training to become Community Youth Mappers, a group of 45 teenagers from Richmond realized this would be more than just a summer job.  

Richmond Community Youth Mapper Earl Byrd interviews a manager at Walgreen's about resources and opportunities for youth.

They learned that by going out into thecommunity and “mapping” the resources available to young people at different business, community and faith-based groups, hospitals and other organizations around the city, they could help make their community a better place.

Through Community YouthMapping, young people document where to find things like recreation programs, crises intervention services and family support groups. 

They also log safe and fun places where youth can go.  In Richmond, the focus is on resources available to young people in the areas of workforce development and job training opportunities.

“I’m sure there are some but we just don’t know them. We don’t see them around daily like we see drugs and violence. I want to get the message out,” said Donnell Burnette, who wants to be a lawyer.

The unique data the teens collect is then used as a “map” to discern where services are lacking.  Community groups take that information to promote existing resources and mobilize efforts to fill the gaps.

"I’m one that wants change in Richmond,” said 16 year-old Lashawnda Brower. “I want to change the schools.”

Early on in their training, the mappers learn that the key to bringing about that kind of change is communication.  Through role playing exercises and by working in teams, the teenagers build on the interpersonal skills that will not only help them conduct the surveys, but also prepare them for their future careers.

Eric Kilbride, senior program officer at AED’s Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, calls the process “a unique work experience - the opportunity to take advantage of working with adults and, in a lot of cases, community leaders with the possibility of making real community change.”

AED is helping young people across the United States and around the globe engage in social change. From New York to Haiti, the YouthMapping process is helping young people address critical social issues relevant to their community.

Community YouthMapping offers young people a chance to learn how to engage in their communities. But their growth doesn’t stop there.

“You want young people to be involved in a process like this because they’ll become more connected to the community,” said Kilbride. “If they’re more connected to their community, they‘ll have a better chance to improve it and want to stay there themselves.”