Youth Participation in Public Policy
Young people should participate in public policy! They should identify policy issues that concern them, organize for political action, and build support for program implementation. They should know about “democracy” as a process in which they can engage; “policy” as a way to achieve their goals; and the “community” as a vehicle for their action.
They should participate because it draws upon their expertise, increases their involvement, and enables them to exercise their rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Michigan Municipal League— We collaborate with municipal agencies to involve young people in public policy.
- Youth Policy Leadership for Social Justice Summer Institute— We are planning a summer policy institute in which participants develop policy skills and plan for social justice action projects challenging segregation in their home communities.
- Generation With Promise— We enable middle school students and teachers to formulate strategies for healthier schools and healthier communities.
- Youth Policy Leaders Program—We enable youth leaders to develop policy projects which challenge segregation.
- Youth Participation in Public Policy—We organized the first national conference for youth participation in the formation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy, including community-based organizations, civic agencies, private foundations, universities, and the media.
- Youth Participation in Evaluation Research—We brought together youth and adults for a Wingspread Conference and created a national declaration on youth learning for social action.
- San Francisco Youth Commission— We work with a leading youth commission in one of the nation’s most culturally diverse cities.