YES: Youth Empowerment Solutions

  • About
    • Mission
    • What is YES?
    • History
    • People
    • Newsroom
    • Contact Us
  • Programs
    • YES for Peaceful Communities
    • MI-YVPC
    • Genesee County After School Study
    • Adaptations for STRYVE
    • YES for Healthy Relationships
    • YES-IDEAS
    • All YES Sites
  • Research
    • Studies
    • Theory
    • Publications
  • Curriculum
    • Download
    • Adaptation Guide
    • Evaluation Guide
    • Mexican American Cultural Sessions
    • Healthy Relationships
    • Youth Led Projects
    • Photovoice
  • Training
  • Resources
    • Evaluation
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Publications
    • Videos
    • Rap Song
    • Tip Sheets
    • Brochure
    • News & Blog
You are here: Home » Empowerment Theory in Plain Language

February 14, 2014 By Susan Morrel-Samuels

Empowerment Theory in Plain Language

Empowerment Theory  has three primary components: intrapersonal empowerment, interpersonal empowerment, and behavioral empowerment. 

We wanted to translate these concepts into every day language in order to communicate clearly with people who are carrying out the YES curriculum.  We express these three primary components as: “feeling”, “connecting” and “doing”.  Feeling refers to the beliefs and perceptions that you have about yourself.  Connecting refers to your relationships with others and with the surrounding environment.  Doing refers to the actions that you take that affect your surroundings and yourself. 

Each of these aspects of empowerment can be measured by several psychological constructs.  These are reflected in our model by simple statements, such as “I am good at leading groups” (leadership efficacy), “I know adults who can help me solve problems” (adult resources), and “I participate in neighborhood activities” (community engagement). 

When YES group leaders connect the curriculum with its underlying concepts they can do a better job of communicating the intent of each activity to participating youth.

YES: Youth Empowerment Theory in Plain Words from Prevention Research Center – University of Michigan

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print

: News

Start Here »

  • Explore YES
  • For Program Leaders
  • For Researchers

Questions or Comments?

  • Contact Us

Curriculum

YES Boat Mural

Everything you need to know about the YES Curriculum & how to implement it.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print
The logo for the Prevention Research Center at the University of Michigan School of Public HealthThe logo for the School of Public Health, at the University of Michigan Logo for the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center at the University of Michigan School of Public Health

Youth Led Projects

Mt. Morris Garden (8)
Projects 2012 031
Hamady#2

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print

Photovoice

Photovoice engages people in taking pictures of their community. It is used to identify local problems and strengths and to develop ideas for change.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print

Youth Empowerment Solutions
University of Michigan
School of Public Health
1415 Washington Heights
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

ph: (734) 763-1989
email: contactYES@umich.edu
Brochure

Contact Us

The logo for the Prevention Research Center of Michigan, at the University of MichiganThe logo for the School of Public Health, at the University of Michigan Logo for the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center at the University of Michigan School of Public Health

Copyright © 2023 · Regents of the University of Michigan · Prevention Research Center of Michigan