Principles of Youth Participation

Before involving young people in any decision-making, there are a number of steps that will help to ensure good youth participation practice. The following principles are tools to support you in involving young people meaningfully and effectively in decision-making.

Step One

Organisational commitment

Support staff doing youth participation
Do a presentation to staff/management about the benefits of youth participation for your organisation.
Allocate adequate resources
Consider the unusual budget requirements you might need.
Offer real roles and relevant issues to young people
How you can involve young people who have experience and interest in the issue /decision?
Value young people's contribution
What are the different ways young people's contributions can be recognised and their participation celebrated?
Involve young people from the beginning to the end of the process
Think about involving young people in developing the objectives and evaluating the project.

Step Two

Create space for young people's involvement

Acknowledge young people's cultural beliefs and values
How can you interest and retain young people from different cultural backgrounds?
Invite a diverse range of young people to participate
Talk to youth workers/youth organisations in your community for advice on how to connect with young people who would not normally get involved.
Ensure participation opportunities are accessible
What would be a youth-friendly time and place to hold a consultation for young people in your community?
Inform young people about opportunities and that they are under no obligation to participate
Do you have good information for young people about the commitments and expectations of being involved in a youth advisory group?
Recognise participation is beneficial to young people
What will young people get out of their involvement in the youth participation opportunity?

Step Three

Create a youth friendly environment

Build positive relationships between your organisation and young people
What opportunities could young people have to meet face-to-face with key decision makers in your organisation?
Develop a sense of belonging and security for young people
What kinds of things could your organisation do to develop trust with a new youth advisory group?
Create youth participation that is fun and challenging
What kinds of icebreakers and energisers could you use in a focus group activity?
Provide young people with information about the issue and decision-making process
Consider what kind of information, orientation and training you need to provide to help young people develop informed opinions and encourage their full participation.
Provide young people with timely feedback about the decision-making process and how their input was used.
How will you keep young people updated and informed about the decision-making process?