Engaging young people as partners in community change is a compelling idea, but translating that idea into effective practice requires focused attention to a range of issues. The principles described in this paper emerged from the commingling of research and practice that occurred when the Forum for Youth Investment merged with Community IMPACT! USA. They are important but simple principles for putting the idea of youth engagement into practice. They can be implemented in a wide range of organizations, including schools, youth organizations or community centers that want to strengthen their commitment to youth leadership, or community-change focused organizations or coalitions that want to strengthen their commitment to youth involvement. The eight principles of youth engagement described herein are: (1) Design an Outreach Strategy; (2) Create a "Home Base;" (3) Convey an Intentional Philosophy; (4) Identify Core Issues; (5) Create Youth/Adult Teams; (6) Build Youth and Adult Capacity; (7) Provide Individual Supports; and (8) Sustain Access and Influence.