YOUTH PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH
HOW IS CROP+TR IMPLEMENTING PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH?
CROP+TR is facilitating a 4-H YPAR curriculum for teens focused on the opioid epidemic. Content includes the basic science of opioid drugs, risks for opioid misuse, health consequences of opioid misuse, and evidence-based interventions for prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid use disorder. WSU faculty in extension, human development, and the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine are collaborating alongside WSU County Extension staff and Faculty and local community partners to implement this curriculum.
Youth who participate in CROP+TR 4-H YPAR will learn about the content areas described above, conduct a relevant needs assessment, and formulate and implement a plan for improving prevention, treatment, or recovery in their communities.
WHAT IS PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH?
Youth Advocates for Health (YA4-H!) is a positive youth development program in the WSU Extension Youth and Family Unit. YA4-H! develops teens as leaders and advocates for
health within their communities. This program is led by Dr. Elizabeth Weybright in collaboration with county Extension faculty across the state. One element of YA4-H! is youth participatory action research.
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is a process designed for teens ages 14-18. The goal of YPAR is to engage teens in a research process learning about a health issue facing their community. This is accomplished through a partnership with other teens and trained adult mentors or WSU staff and faculty. The outcome is the development and implementation of a youth-led health promotion project. Participation in YPAR is associated with positive outcomes including increased youth civic engagement and empowerment.
Kittitas County
Washington State University Extension
Lead by Alison White, Extension Regional Specialist, 4-H Youth Development
HOW CAN YOUTH PARTICIPATE?
The CROP+TR 4-H YPAR curriculum will be implemented at three WSU Extension sites in 2020-2021:
Clallam County
Washington State University Extension
Lead by Clea Rome, Director & Melanie Greer, 4-H Coordinator
Spokane County
Washington State University Extension
Lead by Gary Varella, Extension 4-H Associate Professor