Young People in Decision Making[NI]
Written Carnegie Young People Initiative
Democratic Dialogue has completed a project, funded by the Community Fund, Carnegie Foundation and BBC Children in Need, to gather the views of young people (15-17 year-olds) about decision-making and the political process in Northern Ireland. The findings, based on a series of discussion groups across the region, show a more nuanced picture than the stereotype of youth ‘apathy’ would suggest, and raise many challenging questions for political parties and government. The briefing paper arising was launched by the Children’s Commissioner in March 2004 in Belfast
This project aims to research the views of young people about the current political systems in Northern Ireland, with the view to: 1. explore young people’s current understanding of engagement with political processes and decision-making. 2. identify what issues are important to young people. 3. look at ways of engaging with young people.
Outcomes:
One of the schools involved has introduced Politics as a result of the young people making their views heard. A number of politicians have taken the report and plan to use it to change policy within the party.
OrganisationType:
Non-statutory
Young People Involvement: At the start of the project, young people were consulted about the research and asked about how they would like to be involved.
Resource Type: Case Study
Operation Level: National
Contact Details:
Ellen Finlay
Democratic Dialogue
23 University Street,
Belfast,
BT7 1FY
Telephone: 028 9022 0050
E-mail: ellen@democraticdialogue.org
