“A Society which does not invest in its youth, is not investing in its future”
The Young Men Initiative (YMI) uses a positive youth development and youth work framework as a tool for promoting positive outcomes in the lives of young men. We use the following definition in defining youth work:
“the personal and social development of young people and their social inclusion.”
In addition we believe the purpose of youth work is:
“To work with young people to facilitate their personal, social and educational development and enable them to gain voice, influence and place in society in a period of their transitions from dependence to independence. “
Youth work principles
We believe the following principles should guide our work with young people:
Respect for young people
- Listen to young people
- Engage in dialogue
- Learn from them
- Value young people’s points of view
- Recognize that young people may have a different perspective from other age groups
- Respect individuality…reject negative labels
- Recognizing young people’s rights to liberty and equality and to be treated with dignity
- Promote positive images and opportunities for young people
- Challenge negative stereotypes of young people
- Be open and honest with young people
Voluntary participation
- Allow young people to chose to participate
- Create welcoming environments and positive activities
- Keep young people informed about opportunities and resources
- Provide opportunities for young people to take responsibility for choice and decisions in their lives
- Enable young people to have a voice, participate in decision making and address issues that affect them
Anti-oppressive
- Recognize that youth work is for the benefit of all young people and particularly for those young people who human rights are at risk
- See youth work as an agency for change and challenge for the status quo
- Take positive steps to address oppression and the effects of oppression
- Respect differences and build bridges between different groups and individuals
- Inform others about oppressive language, attitudes, practice and structures
Confidentiality
- Recognize that young people may disclose information to youth workers that they are not ready to tell others
- Prior to disclosure inform young people to any boundaries to confidentiality, especially any situations that could require further intervention
Ethical practice
- Always seek out opportunities to improve practice
- Be reliable and trustworthy
- Maintain youth work values and principles
