Good working practices
Who do you want to include?
Be clear about the groups of young people you’re looking to include. After all, young people aren’t one generic group.
Think about the steps you’ll need to take to meet the aims of your project — and the different groups of young people you’ll need to work with.
Remember: Don’t ignore diversity. Young people from different cultures and backgrounds can miss out and these are usually the ones who already find it hard to take part.
Decide how to work with young people
- The methods you use to work with young people will obviously depend on which groups you are looking to include.
- Ask young people to tell you how they’d like to be involved. Don't assume all young people want the same things.
- Imaginative and fun methods are more likely to attract young people.
- Don't work like an adult. Some young people may like to go to meetings. Others won’t.
- Be wary of asking young people simply to attend a normally adult forum. They may feel intimidated and are less likely to say what they think.
A time and a place
- If you’re trying to get young people to meet with you, check when and where they want to meet.
- The type of event (for example — how long it lasts) should try to match up with the types of people you’re hoping to get involved and their experiences.
- Make sure venues are fully accessible.
Encourage young people to take part
If you explain the purpose of the project and what it involves, young people will have a clear idea about the project and how they can get involved.
If you are honest, open and show genuine interest in what young people have to say, they’ll know that you value their involvement.
It’s also important to be honest about the change the project will really make — and the things it won’t change.
Oher points to consider:
- Before you start asking young people questions, find out if issues were raised in previous projects and what actions taken were taken. Young people might get frustrated if you are not aware of things they’ve already talked about. They may well be suffering from 'consultation fatigue'.
- Focus on things that are important to young people.
Remember: Participation should be voluntary.
Put your plans into action
It can help if you’re flexible when putting your project plans into action. Try to have alternative plans and involve different groups of young people.
Remember: Be prepared to make mistakes and be honest about it when you've made them.
How did we do?
It’s useful to find out how young people would like your feedback on how a project went. For example will they prefer things like posters, letters, websites or texts?
Be clear about how and when you will give them feedback so all your groups know their opinions have been heard and have been taken seriously.
Remember: Listening isn't enough; it needs to be backed up by action.