A clear work process describes which different steps that should be taken in order to carry out a certain task. Clarifying work process is an important step towards professionalisation. E.g. which different steps/actions does a youth worker need to take in order to secure a good and inclusive participatory process?
In order to answers to the different and ever-changing needs, interests and ideas of different groups of young people and the demands this puts on activity hours, facilities, forms of youth work, etc. this setting up of preconditions and work processes must be done in a way that balances stability and flexibility. To “stiff” structures and processes that leaves no space for change, innovation and spontaneity will be counter-productive. To “lose” structures and processes that does not provide clear frameworks and guidance risk leading to confusion and that some groups of young people become, more or less unconsciously, disadvantaged.
Different individuals and groups of young people are attracted not only by different activities in terms of content, but also by different formats or forms of youth work. It is therefore important that the total youth work offer contains different formats such as open “drop-in” activities, group activities, projects, courses, etc., so that young people can approach and get involved in youth work in different ways. This is important also in order to provide different forms of learning, non-formal as well as informal.
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?