This document provides a working definition of youth development based on existing theories and discussions, and crafts a strong case for strengthening the role of the non-school voluntary sector in promoting youth development. Part I of this three-part report focuses on this working definition of youth development, examining the need for such a definition, the need within the non-school voluntary sector, and a framework for thinking about youth development and youth development supports. Part II works toward a theory of youth development. Competence and competencies are defined, as are basic needs. The relationship between needs and competencies is explored, and implications for a theory of positive youth development agents are discussed. The actors that influence youth are identified. Part III examines the role of the voluntary sector in promoting positive youth development. This section includes a snapshot of the non-school voluntary sector, a sampling of empirical evidence that strengthening youth programming within the non-school voluntary sector makes sense, and a sampling of supportive theories. The document concludes that there is a strong case for strengthening and better defining the role of community programs in youth development. "Communities and Adolescents: An Exploration of Reciprocal Supports" is appended. A 10-page bibliography is included. (NB)