PRINCIPLES OF YOUTH POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

To encourage participants (young people, youth workers and decision-makers) to remember the principles and contemplate how their activities are based on those principles, and encourage cooperation among actors.

TIME REQUIRED

30–45 minutes

RESOURCES

On separate sheets of paper write or print youth policy implementation principles, you can use different coloured paper sheets.

ACTION

Taking into account the size of the event and the participants, and the objects of the workshop, there are several workflow options:

• In a group discussion, present each principle and inquire how participants understand the meaning of the principle and how it can be applied and used. At the end of this task develop recommendations, which elements should be focused on or enhanced.
• Divide participants into smaller groups, and give them several principles to analyse in detail (for example, three groups have to analyse three principles). Afterwards, the groups present their findings and all participants together discuss and propose recommendations.
• In small groups, arrange principles according to their importance from the least important to the most important. This ensures an effective debate as the opinions of young people, politicians, teachers, and others, will differ most certainly. However, it will help to understand what is important for which group and lay down the foundations for cooperation.

Youth Policy Implementation Principles:

• parity – state and municipal institutions and agencies and youth organizations are represented equally.
• subsidiary – decisions related to youth, must be taken at the level where they are most effective.
• cross-departmental coordination – when state and municipal institutions and agencies deal with youth issues, communicate and cooperate with each other.
• participation – young people and representatives of youth organizations are involved in dealing with youth-related issues.
• information – state and municipal institutions and agencies and youth organizations inform young people about youth-related issues in an effective manner.
• autonomy – young people select the scope of activity and formulate objectives, also actively participate in it and take responsibility for achieving objectives.
• voluntary – young people participate in youth activities of their interest, chosen by themselves without compulsion.
• self-management – young people in their activities determine the means of implementation, format, responsibilities and evaluation.
• communication and cooperation – youth organizations communicate and collaborate with foreign youth organizations, state and municipal institutions and agencies, and other individuals.

DISCUSSION

• How applicable are the principles of youth policy in reality?
• Which principle is the hardest to follow?
• How can it be improved?
• How can we help other youth policy actors?

COMMENTS

Since this method helps to understand the youth policy principles and encourages critical self-reflection, it can be used in different situations. For example, during the first meeting of the new term of the new youth council; youth organizations conducting self-analysis of their activities; presenting results of the youth projects.

The third option of the task requires a well-prepared moderator, who can run the workshop flawlessly and can facilitate effective evaluation.