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Participation Strategies

Harts Ladder

Developed by Roger Hart in 1992 for UNICEF.

A ladder of the quality of youth participation.

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Tokenism

Young people are asked what they think about an issue but have little or no choice about the way they express those views.

They also don’t get any opportunity to think about the subject in advance.

Consultation Examples Young person on panel with no preparation Vox Pops

Manipulation

Young people participate when adults ask.

Young people may be asked what they think, and adults select the ideas they like, but without the young people knowing what happens to their input.

Consultation Examples Private casual conversations Forced attendance

Decoration

Young people take part in an event, but have little idea what is going on.

They’re there for show.

Consultation Examples Youth perform but don’t attend Given event T-shirt but no info

Non-Participation Strategies

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Youth-Initiated and Directed

Young people design and run the project. Adults can provide support but don’t take control.

Consultation Examples Youth Advisory Group Youth Council Youth Reference Group

Decisions Shared with Youth

Adults initiate a project but young people are involved in every step, and in the decision making.

Consultation Examples Stakeholder Discussions Youth Forums

where young people are involved in the planning, event and implementation

Informed & Consulted

Projects are designed and run by adults, however young people are fully consulted, and their opinions are taken seriously.

Consultation Examples Focus Groups Interviews

where organisations will act on the results

Assigned but Informed

Projects designed and run by adults, however young people are:

1. fully informed,

2. given the choice to participate,

3. the exercise has a point to it.

Consultation Examples Surveys Suggestion Boxes

with no organised follow-up of results

Youth-Initiated and Directed, & Decisions Shared with Adults

Young people run the project, adults invited to share in decision making.

Consultation Examples Youth Dominated Committee Youth Peer Researchers,

aided by adult support staff

Participation Strategies that Work

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Quick Exercise

Where does this example sit?

A school decides to have a mufti-day. The school’s youth council latches on to the idea as a way of raising awareness and money for the Make Poverty History Campaign.

The Principal, staff liaison and young people work together to plan all aspects of the day.

Adult-initiated,decisions shared

with young people

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Quick Exercise

Where does this example sit?

A school student is killed on his bike when hit by a car. Cars speed past the school all day.

The school’s staff holds a gathering for the student to lobby the council to reduce the speed limit outside the school.

The school asks the student’s classmates to present this proposal to the local council, and design a plaque to put outside the school.

Decoration

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Quick Exercise

Where does your Agency Sit?

Think of a youth program that you are familiar with.

Which strategy does your program use?