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Why Is It Important To Engage Young People In Decision-Making?

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Young people bring a new perspective to the concept of leadership. Their age suggests limitations to what is seen as conventional markers of leadership, however they still have the ability to lead or influence others within a given context. Freire argues that knowledge gained from ‘living experience’ should not be rejected or valued less than ‘developed’ knowledge. Living experience plays a valid part in understanding the larger context. Young people may not understand the complexities of the democratic system and broader contexts, but this does not invalidate their worldview and living experience of how the decisions made impact them. Moreover, their living experience brings detail and richness to the decision-making process. However, young people can be easily marginalized in the decision-making processes, largely due to the lack of legal standing when under the age of eighteen. Young people who are unable to vote are largely left to other measures such as protests and petitions (Freire). Empowerment is, therefore, critical to the participation for them to become active in the context and power relationships they are involved in. Empowered young people hold elected representatives and other delegates accountable for the decisions they make, and the power they have been …show more content…

Is it under the constitution that the government is obligated to engage young people in decision-making? Has the government ratified a strategic action plan unique for young people? In order for young people to be decision-makers on policies that affect them, the government, young people and community organizations need to increase awareness of the importance of youth engagement and participation. Once the positive effects of youth participation are acknowledged, negative stereotypes of young people will be eliminated, helping young Americans climb higher on the ladder of youth participation in local

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