Amplifying 174 Youth Voices

We led nine listening sessions across Wasco County, engaging 174 middle- and high-school-aged youth. Our work spanned:

• Public and private schools

• Youth-serving organizations like The Next Door

• Affinity groups (LGBTQ+ youth, sports teams, esports clubs)

Youth shared their unfiltered experiences, naming what strengthens them and what barriers stand in their way. We didn’t shy away from tough topics—participants candidly discussed bullying, unsafe public spaces, political polarization, technology addiction, and feelings of disconnection from decision-makers.

Data Analysis: Turning Stories into Strategy

Our job wasn’t just to listen—it was to make sense of complex narratives and translate them into actionable insights.

• Thematic Coding & Analysis: Collaborate Consulting synthesized the qualitative data from every session, applying intersectional justice lenses to elevate the voices of LGBTQ+ youth, youth of color, and rural teens navigating poverty, isolation, and limited opportunities.

• Mixed-Methods Approach: We integrated local, state, and national data—combining quantitative insights with the real-world stories of Wasco youth.

• Clear Recommendations: We crafted a report that didn’t just describe problems—it offered solutions. These included expanding safe, youth-friendly activities, addressing racism and homophobia in schools, and shifting the way adults engage with youth on technology use.

Key Findings that Spark Change

• Lack of Healthy Activities: Youth named a dire need for more accessible, engaging, and safe activities. They drew clear lines between the absence of these opportunities and unhealthy behaviors like substance use or excessive screen time.

• Sense of Community: While many youth feel deep ties to their neighbors and families, LGBTQ+ and youth of color described environments where slurs and bullying go unchecked, eroding trust.

• Technology Overload: Youth expressed self-awareness about their struggles with screen time but felt unsupported by adults in setting healthy boundaries.

• Feeling Unseen by Decision-Makers: Many youth believe their communities don’t prioritize their needs, especially after the failure of school bond measures that could have improved learning environments.

Delivering a Roadmap for Action

The final report was not just a summary—it was a blueprint for transformation:

• Asset-based and equity-focused in its framing

• Action-oriented, with recommendations for policy shifts, community investment, and adult engagement strategies

• Accessible and widely shared, giving elected officials, parents, teachers, and nonprofits tools to act

This is what Collaborate Consulting does best. We build bold, human-centered assessments that elevate marginalized voices and deliver concrete solutions.