Jump-Starting LGBT Youth Community Leadership
in Journal of Youth Development
By: Diaz, E. M., & Kosciw, J. G. (2012).
In: Journal of Youth Development, vol. 7, issue 1 (2012)
Abstract: The GLSEN Jump-Start National Student Leadership Team, a leadership development program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and ally youth designed to promote direct action community organizing and community engagement. This article examines the benefits of the program for youth’s socio/political development. Data came from a multi-year evaluation that examined changes over time (baseline, immediately post-program, and one-year follow-up) in community engagement between a program group (n = 103) and a comparison group of youth (n = 47). Results indicate that the program may support LGBTQ and ally youth’s socio-political development and have positive implications for their development as community leaders, but these benefits may not be sustained after program completion. Implications for further research and program development for LGBTQ youth are explored.