In order to be knowledge based, policy development must start from a clear and commonly understood picture of the current state of play. In order to achieve this, there must be clear and well established procedures for analysing and taking into account the follow up and evaluation of local preconditions, work processes and outcomes.
Starting from this analysis and in order to be able to take relevant steps, all stakeholders must also be well informed about, discuss and take into account
– the living situation and needs of all different groups of young people concerned;
– the different forms and methods of youth work that can be used in order to meet aims and objectives;
– research and new trends in the field of youth and youth work on European, national and local level.
Without this knowledge policy risks to be formed by purely personal opinions and, no longer valid, presumptions.
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?
