Community of Practice
Collaborative learning sessions for youth-serving professionals
The Ohio Youth-Led Collective’s Community of Practice brings together adults from across Ohio who support and guide young people. These sessions are designed to build practical skills, strengthen leadership development, and create a supportive network of peers doing similar work.
Rather than a traditional training, the Community of Practice is a collaborative learning experience where participants learn with and from one another.
These session are designed for Ohio adults who:
Support youth leadership in schools or community organizations
Value peer learning and shared problem-solving
Want practical tools to strengthen youth engagement
Want to connect with adults across Ohio who share similar goals
Participants will gain:
Practical tools to support youth leadership and prevention efforts
Strategies for engaging, sustaining, and improving youth groups
Reconnection with the perspectives and needs of young people through fun and engaging activities
A clearer understanding of the adult role in supporting youth ownership
With a “start where you are” approach, participants will identify their program’s current level of youth engagement and map out steps towards evolving the role of the adult and empowering youth!
Check out the upcoming In-Person and Virtual Session below!
NORTHEAST OHIO
April 10, 2026
Independence, OH
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
ESCNEO Offices - 6393 Oak Tree Blvd, Independence, OH 44131
2026 In-Person Learning Sessions
Evolve & Empower
This in-person collaborative learning session will be offered three times in different regions across the state. Choose the option that works best for you!
SOUTHWEST OHIO
April 17, 2026
Cincinnati, OH
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
American Red Cross - 2111 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207
CENTRAL OHIO
July 9, 2026
Delaware, OH
10:45 am - 3:45 pm
Ohio Wesleyan University, Merrick Hall - 65 S Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015
SOUTHERN OHIO
August 28, 2026
Ironton, OH
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Ohio University Southern - 1804 Liberty Ave, Ironton, OH 45638
These sessions, which include lunch and CEUs, are free to attend!
Recruitment & Retention
Aug 6, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Recruitment & Retention
Looking for fresh ways to attract and engage youth participants? Join this interactive virtual training to help strengthen your program and expand your reach. Participants will explore practical recruitment ideas, hear directly from young people about what motivates them to get involved, and learn strategies for keeping youth engaged once they join. By the end of the session, you'll leave with 40+ recruitment ideas, valuable youth perspectives, and actionable approaches you can put into practice right away.
2026 Virtual Learning Sessions
Each of these shorter, focused sessions will dive into unique topics that
Ownership & Engagement
Sept 24, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Learn from Youth: How to Increase Ownership and Engagement
In this session, youth leaders will share their perspectives on what attracts young people to leadership opportunities, what keeps them engaged, and what helps groups thrive over time. Participants will learn strategies for empowering young people to take ownership of their groups and explore how to shift from adult-led programs to youth-driven models that elevate youth voice, strengthen engagement, and create lasting impact through meaningful youth-adult partnerships.
