This principle describes participation and tells us that it is a process in different steps (and not just an abstract feeling). It relates to both concrete youth work activities, such as games and or concerts, as well as to the methods used and the organisational structures in which they take place. It might not be possible, or even desirable, to change organisation or methods for every new activity, but it is through having an open discussion between providers and young people on all these issues that youth work will reach its full potential.
These discussions will also secure that this participatory process will not be a “stiff” or mechanical one, which would counteract its purpose, but instead a living and dynamic one.
If the young people participating do not have the necessary knowledge or skills to be active in all steps, e.g. preparing a back-line for a concert, the primary mission of youth work is to help them acquire these skills, not to “take over” and do things for young people, even if this sometimes might be necessary.
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?
