Phase 3: Explore the Problem and Identify the Issue of Focus

Support the youth to identify the issue they want to focus on and to systematically explore the problem or issue, its consequences and root causes, and existing assets that can be harnessed and strengthened.

The explore and identify phase is critical for helping the youth to focus their health promotion action projects (Delgado & Zhou, 2008). How an issue or problem is understood and framed shapes the solutions seen and the actions taken (Dorfman et al., 2005; Westley et al., 2007).

The purpose of this phase is to facilitate the youth to:

• Systematically explore the problem or issue, its consequences and root causes
• The assets of youth, families, schools, and communities that can be harnessed and built upon
• Identify the issue(s) they want to focus on.

Refer to the OPHA Youth Engagement Toolkit for more on Phase 3:

• How to engage youth in exploring social problems and selecting an issue of focus
• Questions to consider
• Activities to support this phase
• Additional reading and resources