Youth work is often poorly funded if seen in relation to the often broad and abstract aims (democracy, equality, etc.) set by policy. Policy, if taken seriously, often demands miracles, but does not at the same time offer resources that are even close to sufficient for their realization. However, setting aims that are not possible to reach with the resources given is well known to be counter-productive. They devaluate the value of having aims, and they make management almost impossible. Just as counter-productive is setting aims that are so abstract that their transformation to concrete objectives could end up just about anywhere.
Youth work policy therefore needs be specific in relation to what should be achieved and what it takes in terms of resources and organisational capacity. Focusing on aims and objectives related to young people’s participation, influence and learning makes this a whole lot easier…
To what degree does our local youth work meet this bullet point?
Are there sides/aspects of it that are not reached?
Are there differences related to different activities?
Are there differences related to different groups of young people?
Are there differences related to different youth work providers?
Are there other differences? Related to what?
What different steps do we need to take in order to meet this bullet point?
Do we miss any knowledge that we need?
Do we need to take contact with stakeholders not present in our discussions?
Do we need to develop new competences, methods, work processes or organisational structures?
Can we find good practices or tools that might help us to improve this?
Do we have positive experiences from other areas of youth work that we can use also in this case?
Are there other organisations that we can contact and learn from regarding this?
Do we need to take other measures?
Do we have to revise our perspectives and/or priorities regarding youth work?
