Webinar insights in brief: checklist for effective youth engagement
1. Meet them where they are. Reach out to young people in their natural environments, such as schools, youth clubs, and online platforms where they are active.
2. Set clear expectations. When organising meetings or discussions, define clear objectives and agendas. Instead of vague questions, ask for input on specific topics to focus the conversation.
3. Listen to their needs. Approach young people with an open mind. Avoid preconceived notions about their needs, concerns, and desires. Actively listen to their perspectives; their insights are invaluable.
4. Empower them to lead. Trust young people to take the lead and contribute to the development of solutions. Engage them in activities like hackathons that encourage creative problem solving.
5. Highlight positive examples. When discussing topics like climate change, emphasise positive examples and achievements. This can help alleviate climate anxiety among young people and inspire hope.
6. Make and keep commitments. Make concrete commitments to young people, and then provide regular updates on the progress of these commitments. Transparency is key to building trust.
7. Sustain the dialogue. Continuously engage in dialogue with young people and ensure follow-up on their ideas and concerns. Such ongoing conversation is vital for meaningful youth participation in local development.
8. Acknowledge diversity. Do not approach youth as a homogenous group. Acknowledge and address young people who are rarely invited or from marginalised communities, including vulnerable groups and those with fewer opportunities.
Main benefits of youth participation in local decision making
Knowledge raising. Increased awareness of youth perspectives among policymakers; such awareness in turn may influence municipal priorities and actions.
Enhanced decision making. Including youth perspectives in political decision making ensures a more comprehensive view of local needs and enhances accountability and inclusiveness of policies.
Fostering active citizenship. Youth engagement helps to empower changemakers and future leaders by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge.
Creating more vibrant rural areas. Engaging young people may create a stronger, more connected community, where young people are more likely to stay and contribute to its economic resilience and growth.
Innovation and creativity. Young people often bring innovative ideas and unconventional solutions to local sustainability challenges.