At the foundational stage, organizations are beginning to build the conditions for meaningful youth-adult partnership. The focus is on establishing trust, preparing youth and adults to work together and creating organizational systems that make equitable youth participation possible.
Youth participation is beginning, but it is not yet consistently integrated into organizational decision making. Young people may attend meetings, offer ideas or participate in specific activities, while adults continue to hold most decision-making authority.
Organizations at this stage are learning what authentic intergenerational partnership requires and identifying the people, practices and systems needed to support it.
Organizations may be moving toward the next stage when:
Participation without influence. Inviting young people into meetings does not necessarily create shared leadership. Watch for situations in which adults set the agenda, youth provide input and little changes as a result.
Identify organizational champions, dedicate resources to youth participation and establish practices that do not depend on a single staff member. Regularly ask young people whether the organization's structures allow them to participate fully and influence decisions.
Is Your Organization Ready for Shared Leadership?
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