The text is intended for community agencies that serve youth, other community agencies, government agencies, traditional youth development organizations, school personnel, youth, and business people. Youth participation means that adults are working with young people rather than developing and delivering services for them or two them. The manual explains how youth participation helps promote positive adolescent development, strengthens programs targeted to youths, and helps a community reinforce norms and expectations for positive responsible behavior. A model is offered for implementing such a program, with emphasis on the role of the private sector. Practical tips are also provided for developing effective programs and for enhancing opportunities for positive youth development. Photographs, illustrations, lists of resource organizations and programs, and 13 references