How YLP can transform young people into leaders and the steps to successfully activate it in Toastmasters clubs

Are you looking for an effective way to invest in the future of young people and enrich your club with new talents and energy? The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) by Toastmasters is the answer! In this article, we will explore the structure of the YLP, its benefits for both young participants and clubs, and how to overcome obstacles to its implementation.

What is the Youth Leadership Program?

The Youth Leadership Program is an initiative by Toastmasters International aimed at developing communication and leadership skills in young people aged 12 to 17. Through a series of 8-10 meetings, participants learn public speaking and leadership techniques in a structured and supportive environment. Unlike traditional Toastmasters meetings, the YLP is specifically designed for young people, offering them a unique opportunity for personal growth and interpersonal skills development.

Benefits of the Youth Leadership Program

For the Youth:

• Communication Skills Development: Significant improvement in the art of public speaking and personal expression.
• Leadership: Young people take on leadership roles during the sessions, learning to manage teams and projects.
• Self-esteem: Increase in self-confidence through overcoming personal and public challenges.

For Clubs and Coordinators:

• Recruitment: Attracting families and young people potentially interested in becoming regular members.
• Visibility: Raising the club’s profile in the community through activities involving young people.
• Skill Development: Club members who act as coordinators or mentors further develop their own skills.

Personal Experience: YLP in Jakarta

My direct experience with the YLP took place at an institute in Jakarta (Tunas Karya Foundation) and lasted about a year, with weekly meetings and program sessions every two or three weeks. The initially shy but extremely serious youths had the opportunity to delve into issues dear to them such as bullying, drugs, and politics. The climax of the program was preparing them as coaches for the World Speech Day event, an incredibly exciting experience that allowed them to express their ideas in front of an international audience, thus consolidating the skills acquired and increasing their self-esteem.

Overcoming the Obstacles in Implementing YLP

• Lack of Awareness: It is essential to actively promote the program among club members and in the local community.
• Limited Resources: Clubs can collaborate with schools, libraries, and youth centers to share resources and spaces.
• Member Commitment: Encourage club members to actively participate as mentors or coordinators to reduce the load on a few individuals and distribute responsibilities.

Potential Hosting Entities for YLP

To successfully implement the YLP, it is crucial to identify entities that can host and support the program:

• Educational Institutions: Middle and high schools are ideal environments for recruiting young participants.
• Youth Centers and Community Halls: Places where young people gather and where the program can be easily integrated.
• Associations and Service Clubs: Organizations like Rotary or Lions Club may be interested in sponsoring or supporting programs for young people.
• Libraries and Cultural Centers: Community spaces that can regularly host YLP meetings.

The Youth Leadership Program not only forms young communicators and leaders but also strengthens Toastmasters clubs by enriching them with new perspectives and energy. Consider how you might contribute to or participate in the program, whether as a coordinator, sponsor, or mentor, to support the development of competent and aware leaders. My experience in Jakarta shows how transformative the YLP can be, not just for the young participants but also for the broader community.