International Youth Day is celebrated each year on August 12 to recognize the ideas, contributions, and potential of young people around the world. It’s a chance to celebrate youth voices and reflect on how you can support them, not just today, but every day.

One of the simplest ways to honor young people is to create space for their voices to be heard.

Start with curiosity

As a youth worker, you probably ask young people questions all the time.

“How was school today?”

“Did you finish your assignment?”

“What happened?”

Those questions have their place. They help you gather information and understand what’s going on.

But what if, this International Youth Day, you asked a different kind of question?

One that doesn’t just help you understand a situation, but helps a young person feel seen, heard, and valued.

Sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate young people is simply to be curious.

The best conversations rarely begin with yes-or-no questions. Instead, they invite young people to reflect, imagine, and share what’s important to them.

You might ask:

• What is something adults don’t always understand about being a young person today?
• When do you feel most confident?
• What’s something you’re proud of that other people might not notice?
• If you could change one thing about your school or community, what would it be?
• What’s something you’ve learned recently that surprised you?

Questions like these communicate something powerful:

I’m interested in who you are, not just what you’re doing.

Don’t worry about whether or not you’ll have the perfect response for whatever they may share. Listening with your full attention is often the most supportive thing you can offer.

Let young people teach you

Youth work often places us in the role of mentor, coach, or guide. Those roles matter.

And relationships grow strongest when learning goes both ways.

International Youth Day reminds us that young people aren’t just preparing for the future, they’re already contributing to it. They bring new perspectives, creative ideas, and lived experiences that adults don’t always see.

Consider asking yourself:

• What has a young person taught me recently?
• When was the last time I changed my thinking because of something a young person shared?
• How do I create opportunities for youth voice, not just youth participation?

Putting assumptions aside and approaching conversations with curiosity communicates respect. It also reminds young people that their ideas have value.

Keep the conversation going

International Youth Day lasts one day.

The relationships you build with young people last much longer.

Rather than thinking about one celebration or special event, think about one habit you’ll carry forward throughout the year.

Maybe you’ll:

• Ask one thoughtful question each day
• Spend more time listening before offering advice
• Invite young people into decisions that affect them
• Notice and celebrate strengths that often go unrecognized
• Stay curious, even when you think you already know the answer

Small moments like these have a way of building strong, trusting relationships over time.

One question can make a difference

International Youth Day is a reminder that every young person’s voice matters.

As a youth worker, you have the opportunity to help young people feel heard. Not because you have all the answers, but because you’re willing to ask meaningful questions and truly listen.

One thoughtful question won’t solve every challenge.

But it might help a young person feel understood.

And sometimes, that’s where the most important conversations begin.

Want to continue growing as a youth worker?

Strong relationships are built through intentional communication, active listening, and genuine curiosity. Explore YIPA’s online training for youth workers to discover practical strategies for strengthening your relationships with young people and creating spaces where every voice is valued.