Youth Participate Rebrik II.

Youth Participate: Rebrik II.

Educating young people in youth participation using digital storytelling

During the second You(TH) Participate! meeting, we explored the individual levels of participation and together climbed the so-called ladder of participation (R.Hart). Today, we will introduce the remaining 4 so-called "higher" levels of participation:

The fifth level of participation refers to activities led by adults, where youth are consulted and informed on how their opinions and suggestions will be used and considered in decision-making.

For activities prepared by adults where young people co-decide, we are talking about the highest form of participation that local government can offer young people, considering its plans and proposals. A prerequisite for such a level of participation is the creation of appropriate tools so that young people can co-decide on individual proposals. Co-decision can take several forms: through official youth representatives, a referendum, through youth clubs and centers, etc.

Level 7 includes activities that are conceived, prepared, and led by young people themselves without the involvement of local government. This is a high degree of participation, as it assumes a high level of civic engagement among young people, the ability to organize themselves and lead activities to improve public life, and thus a high interest in public affairs. Although it may seem that nothing better can exist, some activities can also be counterproductive, as there is no dialogue with important adults, and proposals for activities may lack the element of feasibility and viability.

The highest level of participation assumes a high level of activity from young people in communication with local government, their interest in social events, and at the same time the capacity to propose common solutions together with representatives of local governments. An example could be a proposal from a group of young people to improve the quality of life for young people. A key characteristic is the interest of youth in taking co-responsibility for decision-making and the implementation of activities.

This level of participation is often expected by local governments from young people, without realizing that it is the highest form of participation, to which young people must be guided and does not arise by chance or spontaneously.