engagED: Key Findings & Recommendations

Key Findings

Many young people from socio-economically disadvantaged communities are civically engaged;

These young people gain many benefits from being civically engaged;

There are, however, many barriers to being civically engaged;

Our research shows that it is imperative that all young people have the opportunity to be civically engaged.

Recommendations: Five fundamentals of good practice

Our findings led us to propose five fundamentals of good practice for those working with young people from socially disadvantaged communities.

Thinking Differently: Think and probably act differently in order to challenge mis-conceptions about young people’s lives, experiences and starting points.

Listening Harder: Ensure we listen more carefully to everyone and that the results of listening are reflected in our practice.

Broadening Opportunities: Recognise all forms of civic action including those that take place in the family, community, school and cyberspace.

Making it Possible: Help young people to help themselves succeed in civic action that matters to them.

Rewarding Experiences: Support young people to reflect on and recognize the benefits of their civic engagement and ensure that their contributions are recognized by others.