SOS Children's Villages is committed to including young people in the decisions that affect their lives.
#StakeholderEngagement #participation #DynamicAccountability
What makes this practice exemplary?
1. At the strategic level:
An International Youth Coalition brings together 20 young people to formally represent youth from all regions in where SOS operates. The Youth Coalition has strongly shaped SOS’ strategy and regularly consults young people for input on SOS’ work and globally relevant issues.
This helps primary constituents become meaningfully engaged in decision-making processes at the strategic level.
2. At the project level:
YouthCan! is a partnership project focused on giving vulnerable young people the opportunity to become ready for the job market and to lead independent lives. Project partners make use of their expertise, networks and experience to create new avenues and opportunities for young people to transition successfully into professional life.
Young people are also involved in the evaluation of programmes. An annual Youth Day in many countries where SOS operates sees young people leading and facilitating an internal evaluation of SOS programmes. The outcomes feed into priorities and action plans for the following year. SOS Croatia, for example, compiles a youth day report, and begins each youth day with an update on progress in response to the suggestions from the previous year.
This shows that SOS closes the feedback loop, and thus encourages and rewards more feedback in the future. As well as this, primary constituents become key actors in developing solutions to their problems.
What kind of organisation is this good practice useful for?
1. Providers Of Services
2. Advocacy Organisations With Direct Contact With Primary Constituents
Related good practices
- World Vision Empowers Communities As Change Agents
- ActionAid Connects The Dots When Designing Their Campaigns
- World YWCA Ensures An Accountable Movement Through Its Strategy
- SOS Children’s Villages Involves Senior Leadership In Their Accountability Reporting Process
- World Vision’s Workshop Strengthening Accountability At The National Level
