How we Make our Beliefs about Youth Participation Real

In our Strategic Plan (2009-2013) Youth Work Ireland states three key Beliefs which have important consequences for our work on Youth Participation. These beliefs are listed below alongside the work that we are doing to make these beliefs real.

Belief 1: We have a positive view of young people

Means that we do not see young people as problems to be solved. Negative views of young people limit their opportunities to take part in decision-making. Therefore part of our commitment to youth participation involves combating negative views of young people and promoting a positive view of young people. We do this through:

• Voices of Youth
• Professional Development on Strengths Based Approaches

Belief 2: All young people have Rights and should be supported to realise these.

Means that we aim to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) particularly Article 12 of the UNCRC which tells us that young people are citizens now. That means that participation is about young people exercising their rights to make real decisions in the here and now. Because of this belief, Youth Work Ireland now has responsibilities to support young people in enacting their rights. We do this through:

• Having a Youth Participation Policy
• Having a Framework of Action on Youth Participation
• Having a Proofing System for Youth Participation (forthcoming)
• Supporting the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Participation Team

Belief 3: Young people have the potential to effect change

Means that when we work with young people to involve them in decision making and in their communities, we belief that it is about making real change; it is not just a paper exercise. We do this through:

• Professional development with our staff and in the sector to ensure they have appropriate skills through the Irish Youth Work Centre
• Developing and supporting youth work programmes that help young people to become active Citizens