Civic participation

Contribute meaningfully to decisions, initiatives or collective action affecting shared concerns or communities.

Why it matters

Shared decisions benefit from people explaining their views, considering who is affected and contributing to action. Meaningful participation also depends on opportunities for those contributions to influence what happens.

What this can look like

• contributes a reasoned view to a school or community decision
• takes part in collective action around a shared concern
• explains how a proposed decision may affect different people

Youth relevance

School councils, youth groups and community initiatives can give young people opportunities to shape decisions about shared spaces, priorities or local concerns. Their contribution needs a route to being considered by those making the decision.

Ways young people can practise this skill

• contribute to a shared decision affecting a school, youth group or community
• help plan a small initiative around a local concern
• discuss different options and their effects before a group decision

Connected themes

• Main theme · Participation & citizenship
• Communication
• Collaboration & teamwork