Detroit wants to elevate youth voices in leadership – that means giving them real power

Detroit detained over one hundred eighty youth during a June fireworks event, mostly for curfew violations. The incident is part of a summer wave of youth 'takeovers' organized through social media in cities across the country. In response, Detroit created a youth advisory council this spring and revived its Midnight Basketball League. The Conversation examines research on what makes such programs work: real power-sharing, where adults build sustained trust, make decisions collaboratively, and meet teenagers on their own terms. Without genuine partnership, officials risk creating symbolic advisory boards that lack any real influence.

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