Enabling youth voice is key
In the first half or so of 2024 we’ve had lots of change in the policy and governance world with a new government and a real uptick in genuine interest in supporting young people’s voice in organisations. This has been helped no doubt by lots of campaigning to activate citizens with the general election and the wider acknowledgement of having a voice in issues.
Our own Election Insider series aimed to support young people to be informed about what it means to vote and the options present. Indeed before the election was even called the editorial team had an inkling, and worked to find out the views of young people in our ‘The Young Vote’ mini-research which included a survey and series of articles from contributors.
It’s been a pleasure seeing the young people we support get so actively involved in promoting ‘having a voice’ and engaging in the issues that matter to them. But how do we do this as a society all-year-round? Young People’s voice is important is so many areas of work.
Youth Voice is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (especially as Article 12) which guarantees a child’s right to express their views freely and have them considered in matters affecting them. It’s over 30 years old and the benefits are vast.
Young people see the world from a unique perspective. Unburdened by convention, they often possess fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Including their voices in decision-making processes leads to more well-rounded approaches. Consider environmental issues, young people who experience the consequences of climate change firsthand can offer valuable insights on sustainability initiatives. Their tech-savvy nature can also be harnessed to develop creative solutions. Although it’s important to remember every young person is different – they will have different interests and skillsets.
Listening to young people fosters a sense of agency and empowerment. When their opinions are valued, they feel a responsibility to contribute meaningfully. This participation builds confidence, critical thinking skills, and a sense of ownership over their communities.
Young people invested in shaping their environment are more likely to become active and engaged citizens. They’re also more likely to be active in, or support, organisations. You want to attract more young people to your venue or project? Then engage young people’s views in a meaningful and appropriate way. It should work for both the young people and the organisation in order to be most effective.
We’re really excited to be embarking on training for young people and the existing trustees of museums across the country with Kids in Museums, co-delivering on the ‘Engaging your first young trustees’ programme. We hope by 2025 young people will be better represented at board level in the heritage sector, but its also important that the movement continues across the sector in meaningful ways, with the further development of programmes like young ambassadors, young curators, youth advisory groups and more extensive consultations.
We’re also embarking on an exciting programme with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, on the Creative Arts Alternative Provision Project. Working with the team until at least December 2025 we are delivering consultancy and training for them and partners to help develop young people driven work, and help young people influence the ongoing development of the project over the next 3-years. It is fantastic to be asked to partner on a project at its inception stage and provide a foundation strand across the work that ensures young people’s voices can be heard.
Stay tuned for information on the outcomes of these projects over the coming year. And if you want to join over 500 people who’ve already experienced our youth voice training – then get in touch today.