Authentic student participation in policy making - methodology & examples Power to Persuade Symposium The University of Melbourne 5 September 2012
Benefits of engaging with young people Supporting young people’s participation in decision- making about issues that affect them can result in services that are more effective, relevant and better able to meet their needs Better quality, more relevant policies, services and projects Open and inclusive decision making Innovative solutions to issues Increased awareness of issues that affect young people Building trust between young people and authority.
How to engage with younger stakeholders Use many of the same tools as you would for other groups Consider your purpose and the outcomes you would like Think about: Empowerment Purposeful engagement Flexibility Inclusiveness (adapted from Youth Affairs Council of Victoria – 2004)
Methods for engaging with young people Student Action Teams Student centred methodology Based on teamwork Occurs in a community setting, in a context of solving real problems. Using online channels Student centred methodology Quick and cheap to set up Will collect authentic responses Can reach a broad cross-section of young people Occurs in a community setting and in a context of solving real problems.
DEECD examples Student Summit (2009) Secondary school students created student cybersafety policy Learning On Line Cybersafety Program (2010) Student Action Teams promoted awareness of cybersafety in their school community Listen 2 Learners (2010) Students presented how they learn, communicate & collaborate to decision makers in gov’t, business, industry & the social arena Digital Demons (2011) Student Action Teams created online code of conduct for Melbourne Football Club Our Voice Vic pilot (2011) Rural and regional students consulted via social media
Student Summit
Listen 2 Learners
Digital Demons
Our Voice Vic Images from:
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