Youth Participation: a Manifesto harnessing the collective intelligence of people under 30
Young people are often delegitimized in the public domain, because they are considered inexperienced or, ironically enough, too young to express themselves on topics that directly concern them. We call this the “30 zone”, where 30 is the age limit below which it is most difficult to participate in public life with recognition and legitimacy.
At Sociolab we acknowledge the fundamental role of younger generations in public policy, urban transformations and community building. We work with young people to strengthen their agency, to promote youth participatory processes but also to open spaces for youth in local policy making and institutions. Our reflection, evolving along with our experience, is based on the assumption that young people are experts in the domains that concern them : they are the reference point and main voice in the design not only of youth policy, but of every policy that has an impact on their lives.
At the same time, we try to be mindful not to view younger generations as a monolithic block and to remind to ourselves and to others that there are many different ways to take part in something. Our goal is that of creating the conditions that allow young people to be heard, feel respected and empowered to act in intergenerational contexts.
Participation is always true, if I was there, if I took part. If one processes the experience, even the simple act of being present (to oneself and to other people), is in fact participation!
The Youth Participation Manifesto (Now available in English) is the product of this reflection and of a co-creation process that took place during the third edition of SIC! Spaces of Collective Intelligence — Sociolab’s peer-to-peer training space. (SIC! is a highly participatory format we developed to explore with others the boundaries of participation and community building. More info about other topics explored during SIC! are available in italian here.)
We sought inspiration from those who are active in this field: Gabriella Sesti Odisseo from Fantapolitica, Edoardo Bucci from Scomodo, Giuseppe Lipari from Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. We also involved representatives of three youth groups in Tuscany that we supported with our work: the youth councils “Consulta di Bagno a Ripoli” of the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, and “Chianti senza Limiti” of the Municipality of Greve in Chianti, and the Association “Oltre” from Livorno.
The Youth Participation Manifesto is the result of this moment of collective intelligence: it expands and develops the reflection on youth participation from starting points, to attitudes and behaviors, to tactics and practical tips. Inside each section you will find insights from people under 30, quotes and ideas coming from direct experience. We believe this Manifesto to be an inspiring read for those that, on youth participation, wish to take the advice of young people themselves.
We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed being part of the conversation!
