The Community Action Framework in Practice: An Illustration Based on the Ready by 21 Coalition of Austin/Travis County

Abstract

The field of positive youth development has expanded focus from articulating and measuring desired manifestations of positive well-being to assembling the environmental conditions known to promote these desired outcomes. Evidence of the effectiveness of community-level efforts promoting positive youth development is still emerging, in particular theory-driven examples of community-driven youth development. This study examined the Community Action Framework, one theory-based community youth development model, through the experiences of the Ready by 21 Austin/Travis County coalition (RB21). The coalition connects youth-serving organizations and also regional coalitions, while promoting the positive development of area youth. Participant observation, interviewing, and archival strategies were integrated to capture information related to the complex and dynamic coalition. Results indicated that RB21 represents a practical and meaningful application of the Community Action Framework. Specific examples and recommendations are provided as guidance for other community level youth development efforts.

Keywords:

• youth development
• community action
• coalition
• capacity building
• out-of-school time (OST) programs
• program quality

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Ready by 21 Austin/Travis County, United Way Capital Area, 21^st Century Community Learning Centers of Austin Independent School District and other coalition members for their support of the development of this article.