The Evolvement Model: Engaging Youth to Shape Healthier School Policies
Imagine a school where students take the lead in shaping wellness policies, creating an environment where healthy choices are not just encouraged but also celebrated, and establishing new norms in which nutritious food and healthy hydration are not just options but ways of life.
In this session, you’ll learn about Evolvement — a groundbreaking youth engagement model that empowers teenagers to become proactive agents of change. Rooted in the CDC’s Best Practices, this proven approach has made waves in Virginia and Oklahoma, leading to remarkable improvements in access to nutritious food and water, enhanced physical activity standards, and the creation of vibrant school cultures centered on nurturing students’ well-being and maintaining healthy learning environments.
You’ll delve into the Evolvement model, acquiring key insights and concrete ideas for effectively involving youth in driving policy change in schools.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core components of the Evolvement youth engagement model and how it enhances youth advocacy work to influence school policies.
- Evaluate practical strategies for engaging youth as partners in shaping school environments that support healthy eating, hydration, and physical activity.
- Apply key components from the Evolvement model to strengthen youth leadership and advance wellness policy change within school or community environments.