Youth Participation in Public Policy at the Municipal Level: A Research, Education and Outreach Project in Michigan

Barry Checkoway, School of Social Work
George Goodman, Michigan Municipal League
Larry Gant, School of Social Work
Lorraine Gutierrez, School of Social Work

Professor Checkoway and the research team received funding through CLOSUP's Major Projects Program (FY 2005) to support this project on youth participation in public policy at the municipal level.

Abstract
The purpose of this two-year project is to develop knowledge of strategies for youth participation in public policy at the municipal level, with an emphasis on Michigan. Using a participatory community-based research methodology at the state, local, and cross-site levels, the researchers identify, describe, and analyze efforts to promote youth participation in three selected Michigan municipalities. The study examines effects of these programs on youth and their communities; factors which facilitate and limit participation; and lessons learned from empirically-based practice. This project also includes an outreach stategy to build municipal capacity for youth participation through education and training.

Preliminary Outcomes and Findings

While research and analysis efforts continue, the following preliminary outcomes and findings are presented as of Fall 2005:

• Municipalities employ a variety of strategies and structures for youth participation in public policy. Young people participate in youth councils, on boards, and on commissions. They speak at meetings, present at city council meetings, and develop policy recommendations. They develop city programs and promote youth participation in the larger community.
• Youth participation in public policy occurs within city administration, parks and recreation departments, offices of children and youth, and other city commissions and task forces. In some cases, participation has been formalized through passage of city ordinances or city council recommendations.
• As expressions of their participation, young people hold "meet the mayor" nights to engage their peers in civic issues. They organize community-wide events such as town hall meetings, speak-outs, and symposia to create forums for youth to discuss municipal issues. They meet regularly with city council members, administrators, mayors, department heads, and community leaders to discuss issues. They consult on policy decisions related to youth, and prepare testimony on issues of importance.
• Youth participation has multiple impacts for youth and municipalities. For youth, participation in municipal policy helps develop individual skills such as public speaking, writing, research, and critical thinking. It increases opportunities for municipal policy internships, city employment, and service on state and national committees on youth participation.
• Youth participation increases civic knowledge and engagement on municipal issues. Young people state that they feel more connected to their community, are more aware of city policies, and are more knowledgeable about the functions and processes of municipal government.
• For municipalities, youth participation leads to the development of new municipal policies, programs, and practices. Adult leaders note that youth participation has produced new information and ideas, and has resulted in new inter-generational relationships. It has offered opportunities for youth voice, and developed mechanisms for municipal outreach to youth and adults.
• Several factors seem to facilitate youth participation at the municipal level. These include advocacy of adult administrators and municipal leaders, inter-generational mentorship, education and training, inter-institutional collaboration across municipal units, institutionalization of youth participation within municipal structures, meaningful roles for youth participants, access to education and training for youth participants, collaboration across municipal departments, and institutionalization through municipal ordinances. These factors appear to be influenced by community origins, objectives, culture, and the political, social, and economic environment.