The information gathered through documentation and follow up must in a second step be analysed in relation to the context from which it emanates and the preconditions and work processes at hand. In order to be complete and fruitful this analysis must be carried out in at least three various, but still connected, settings; Among the youth workers concerned, together with young people and, when relevant, together with the politicians responsible for setting aims and objectives. This asks for a clearly structured and inclusive process where young people’s experiences and ideas have a central position. Carried out this way the process will not only lead to improvements, it will also promote organisational learning on all levels and a stronger understanding of, and recognition for, youth work.
Documentation, follow up and structured analysis are the corner stones of knowledge based youth work. Knowledge gathered from research should of course be used in order to both deepen and widen this knowledge, but it can never replace it.
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?
