Projects

Civic Engagement and Young People in the City of Melbourne

The City of Melbourne has adopted a Youth Policy that encourages young people’s civic engagement, citizenship and participation in meaningful ways.

The Australian Youth Research Centre was asked to examine recent national and international literature around these issues, to explore and analyse practices in other Victorian local government areas, and to make recommendations to Council on directions and priorities for action.

The literature study summarised major trends in the nominated areas, pointing to diverse interpretations of the terms and concepts and to the importance of the intentions of organisations (including governments) in supporting initiatives in these areas. Issues of intention, structures, diversity and inclusion, the power and control exercised by young people, and resourcing implications were seen to be inter-related.

The study then examined civic engagement practices in eight local government areas in Victoria, identifying several major and differing models. In conclusion, it pointed to the need for complex responses to complex needs, for local solutions directed to meeting young people’s needs, for building the capacity of young people and of existing organisations, for strategies that enabled inclusive engagement, and for adequate resourcing of initiatives.

The report was presented to the City of Melbourne during 2006.

Contact:  Roger Holdsworth

Contact: r.holdsworth@unimelb.edu.au