Quality: Applying Principles - Section 3- MYP Training

Section 3: Principles & Methodologies

Quality: Applying Principles

We define a quality Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting experience as REAL: relevant, exciting, accessible and learner-led. To make youth participation meaningful, we must also make it REAL, by applying certain principles to our work

1. Transparent

2. Accountable

Do young people receive information on all aspects of their participation that is age-appropriate for them? Example: Imagine a youth-led organization planning a community project aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The organization establishes channels for youth participants to provide feedback and raise concerns about the project.

3. Accessible

Are approaches and methods used appropriate to all young people participating? Example: A youth organization is planning a series of workshops on mental health awareness for its members, which include young people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.Workshop materials and communications are presented in clear, simple language that is accessible to all participants, regardless of literacy level or language proficiency.

Are their tools and training available to young people to build their capacity and support them to meaningfully participate? Example: A national youth organization is preparing to launch a youth-led advocacy campaign on climate action. To ensure meaningful participation and empowerment of young advocates,

4. Supportive

Does the participation opportunity give young people the chance to grow? Example: A local community center offers a youth leadership program aimed at empowering young people through personal development and community engagement.The community center hosts interactive workshops on leadership development, communication skills, teamwork, and project management.

5. Engaging

Are young people followed-up with after their participation to understand their impact? Example:A local youth council is established within a city government to provide input on youth-related policies and initiatives.The city government conducts surveys or interviews with youth council members to understand their perspectives on how their input influenced decision-making processes or policy outcomes.

Do young people have actual decision power in the participation process? Example: A school district establishes a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) composed of high school students to provide input and influence decision-making on educational policies and programs. The Youth Advisory Council holds regular meetings where members discuss educational issues, propose policy recommendations, and vote on decisions that directly impact students

Are young people choosing to participate for themselves? A local nonprofit organization launches a youth mentorship program where young people have the opportunity to be paired with adult mentors for personal and professional development. Youth are invited to voluntarily apply for the mentorship program through an open and inclusive recruitment process.

7. Voluntary

6. Authentic