Main Spotlight: Investing in the Future of Main Street

Main Street programs across the country have proven the power of good people working together to do good things. But if we want our efforts to continue, we need to support the next generation of leaders who will sustain this work in the years to come. Cultivating young leaders to shape the future of Main Street breathes new life and fresh perspectives into our movement.

Iris Peters, Content Development & Special Projects Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, offers a compelling example of the impact of youth involvement. Her journey with the Main Street Movement is not only inspiring but illustrates how giving young people a platform to engage can spark a lifelong passion for community development — and Main Streets. 

“I never specifically intended to be a part of or find the Main Street Movement,” she shared, ​“but boy, am I glad it found me,” said Iris. 

Iris’s experience proves the power of small opportunities to spark lifelong passion. I spoke with her about her Main Street story, and gathered strategies to help you support young leaders in your community. 

From High School Student to Coordinating Program Staff

Iris’s journey began in high school when she was offered the opportunity to create a rebranding video for her county’s Main Street program. ​“Did I truly know what I was doing? Not really,” said Iris when reflecting on the experience. ​“But being given this kind of autonomy as a teenager with my community believing in me meant the world.” 

This early experience with Main Street stuck with her as she started college and introduced a passion that has led to a career. During the pandemic, Iris returned to her small hometown and started helping the local Main Street — Perry County Economic Development Authority — with some marketing work. This connected her with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and her current role.

Iris’s experience highlights a powerful truth: with the right support and belief, young people can accomplish incredible things. And these early, formative experiences create advocates who will champion their communities for years to come. ​“Before I really knew what ​‘Main Street’ meant, I thought great places just kind of happened,” said Iris. ​“I fell in love with the idea of working to improve quality of life and cultivating connections, especially in a time when most of us feel lonelier than ever before.”

Attracting Talent and Inspiring Change

Many Main Street communities struggle with the ​“brain drain.” Too often, young people leave their hometowns in search of different opportunities. Engaging youth in Main Street programming can help reverse this trend by showing them that they can build meaningful lives and careers in their communities.

“When thinking about the future, communities need to brainstorm ways that young people can not only live but thrive,” Iris explains. ​“How can we get young people to stay if we don’t know what they want?” 

Iris encourages interested young people to lean into these opportunities: ​“You are going to get imposter syndrome. Don’t let it get you down! Force yourself to do things outside of your comfort zone and watch yourself grow from it.”

Meanwhile, Main Street leaders should remember that young people may be nervous about volunteering or participating in their local Main Street’s work. Creating welcoming environments and celebrating each young person’s contribution can go a long way.

Strategies to Engage Local Youth

1. Reach Out Directly to Schools and Clubs: Partner with local schools and student organizations like Future Business Leaders of America, Distributive Education Clubs of America, student council, or journalism club. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local high school counselors or college admissions departments. Set up a time to meet with them to share about Main Street and your work, offer opportunities to support student volunteerism, and build those relationships! 
2. Offer Paid Internships and Volunteer Opportunities: Not all students can afford to volunteer. Offering stipends, internships, or funded volunteer positions can attract students who might otherwise miss out. Many workforce and career development organizations offer funding that can support internships for Main Street programs. Know your local partners and who can support initiatives such as these — your Chamber of Commerce or city/​county workforce development department may be a great place to start! 
3. Create Mentorship Opportunities: Mentorships provide youth with the guidance they need to thrive. Iris credits her mentors with showing her the ropes, providing career support, and offering insights into the intricacies of community work. She speaks fondly of Michelle Jones, Executive Director of Perry County Economic Development Authority, saying, ​“I can honestly say that without her guidance, I would not be working in community and economic development.” 
4. Use Social Media to Engage and Educate: Today’s youth are digital natives. By using social media platforms, Main Street programs can reach young people where they already are. Posting event updates, community stories, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses into Main Street work can inspire youth to get involved and see themselves as part of the community’s story. Don’t hesitate to tag local schools, comment on posts that offer opportunities to collaborate, and give specific shout-outs to any youth who are uplifting Main Street work. 
5. Involve Youth in Visioning and Planning: To truly keep youth engaged, invite them into planning processes, whether it’s through focus groups or open workshops. Iris believes this inclusion is essential, stating, ​“For some of our focus groups in Community Visioning, we will meet with students directly at their schools. I think this is a great way to ensure that the thoughts of young people are informing the plan for a town.”

Building a Stronger Movement

“True leadership is asking, ​‘If not us, then who?’” said Iris. By investing in youth now, Main Street programs create a pipeline of dedicated, knowledgeable leaders ready to nurture their communities in the future.

The Main Street Movement’s future is bright with young people like Iris guiding the way. It’s up to today’s Main Street leaders to provide the space, mentorship, and opportunities that will allow youth to thrive in these roles. If we’re truly committed to vibrant, enduring Main Streets, the journey begins with the next generation.

Downtown Decorations, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter’s Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about what they do to support Main Street organizations, click here.