Youth-inclusive

Youth-inclusive describes policies, programs, initiatives, or environments that actively involve and empower young people (typically defined as those aged 15-24) in decision-making, design, and implementation processes. It signifies a deliberate effort to ensure young voices, perspectives, and needs are considered and integrated, rather than merely consulted. This approach aims to create opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully and contribute to shaping their own futures and the broader society. It prioritizes accessibility, responsiveness, and the fostering of intergenerational collaboration and mutual respect. Such practices recognize the unique value young people bring, challenging traditional power dynamics and embracing the potential of youth as agents of change.

Youth-inclusive meaning with examples

• The organization adopted a youth-inclusive approach to its strategic planning, establishing a youth advisory board with decision-making authority, ensuring that the voices of young people shaped the organization’s direction and initiatives. It actively sought their input on program design, implementation, and evaluation, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their initiatives. The resulting programs more closely reflected and addressed youth concerns and perspectives.
• The city implemented a youth-inclusive urban development project. Young residents participated in workshops, co-designing public spaces and infrastructure to cater to their needs. Their input shaped design elements like skate parks, bike lanes, and recreational areas, resulting in more vibrant and youth-friendly environments. The project successfully improved community spaces for youth and cultivated a sense of ownership.
• To improve STEM education, the initiative fostered a youth-inclusive curriculum development process. Students contributed to developing lesson plans and teaching materials, focusing on real-world applications relevant to their interests. This collaborative approach produced highly engaging, relevant, and accessible curriculum that fostered greater student interest and participation in STEM fields and careers.
• The government launched a youth-inclusive digital literacy campaign, recruiting young ambassadors to train peers and promote safe online practices. This peer-to-peer model increased the reach and effectiveness of the campaign, ensuring the information was tailored to the specific needs and digital habits of young people. This process significantly contributed to the empowerment and digital inclusion of the entire community.