Chapter 13: Tensions of Purpose: Strategies to Strengthen Partnerships and Overcome Barriers Between Youth and Adults and Advance Transformative Social Change

Youth and adults have much to learn from one another and together. Regardless of our age, we never stop growing. Yet despite the inherent interdependence of young people and adults, a myriad of factors can separate us and prevent us from collaborating with one another. In this chapter, we focus specifically on tensions of purpose, using the combined lens of four co-authors, each of whom is a current or previous employee of the Center for Teen Empowerment (TE). Together we believe that through uncovering and addressing the deeply complex layers of tension that can arise in youth–adult partnership, youth and adults can better tap into each other’s humanity, and develop deeper understandings of how to authentically and collectively move toward shared goals.