Young People’s Participation and involvement Stages

 

Young people’s participation develops as they become more involved and more experienced. This doesn’t happen all at once but is a gradual progression as young people learn through different experiences, activities and opportunities. SAYS  model shows different stages that young people may progress through as they increase their participation, involvement and responsibility. Awareness of these different stages is important in helping young people volunteers and the forum to design and use activities and projects that are suitable for different young people at different stages.

 

Making Contact

Young people make contact with the SAYS forum, other young people, participation workers and PIPS volunteers.

Young people have access to information and opportunities.

This is the start of relationships of trust and sharing being developed.

A goal at this stage is young people wanting to come back for more.

 

Active Participation

Young peoples’ confidence grows as they establish new relationships with adults and other young people.

They become more able to engage actively and express their views and ideas.

They feel included and listened to.

 

Involvement and Responsibility

Young people begin to assist in taking action and responsibility, and take part in activities developed from their interests and needs.

They contribute to the planning and organisation of activities, projects and consultations.

They set the agenda.

 

Taking a Lead

Young people become more independent taking full responsibility and control of their actions within the forum.

Group work is led by young people, and young people take on roles to support and lead their peers and other young people.