Respect must be earned and maintained by all parties. Youth often have a history of negative experiences with adult-led institutions or systems that have inflicted harm or generational trauma on the community. Agency staff and policy-makers should seek to understand  that even though young people are learning about themselves and the world around them, they are also community members with valid opinions and lived experiences that shape their perspectives. As respect is earned, adults and youth will gain a greater understanding of shared community values and opportunities that exist for partnership, collaboration and systemic change.