Recruitment of YAM Instructors largely depends on location and context, but here are some thoughts from us on what makes a good YAM Instructor (in addition to completing the course and having lots and lots of practice in the field). Although the YAM Instructor Course prepares participants, there are several advantages to finding the right persons to partake in the process.
In YAM we view youth as equals and treat them as such – solidarity and empathy with youth are at the crux of YAM’s pedagogy. Relying on a youth driven approach, it is vital that the adults selected to implement the program recognize the significance of this process. YAM offers a non-judgmental atmosphere to explore mental health and relies on the Instructor to help create, model, and maintain a safe space. Instructors should value and treat youth as the real experts on their mental health and make sure that their voices and experiences take centre stage. There are no right or wrong answers, and Instructors should remain as neutral as possible to what comes up for youth: it is the youths’ experiences that are in focus.
A safe learning environment where youth can experience and work through complex situations and emotions is fostered. Speaking freely about sensitive topics with adults is not necessarily effortless or appealing to all youth. It is imperative that YAM Instructors understand this and be able to foster dialogues with youth that are inclusive of their experiences. The Instructor does not dictate how youth should act or respond to any given situation; rather they provide the space for these responses to slowly form and continue to develop.
YAM Instructors should be non-judgmental and allies to all kinds of youth, regardless of their identities and experiences. The Instructor should be able to act as a supporter rather than as a source of information. Additionally, a good Instructor builds trust with those they are working with. The most important characteristic of a good YAM Instructor is having confidence that youth have the capacity to reflect freely and make choices that will benefit their mental health.
You will find some additional information about YAM Instructors here.