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Why do we need a youth policy?
Red Cross Red Crescent policies provide direction for action
in the achievement of the mission for all members and bodies, and
are a point of reference to ensure consistent decision-making. Policies
define the boundaries for the conduct of the organization and the
people working in it.
Clear policy is vital as a basis for ensuring:
- Direction and consistency of action " The National Society work
must be consistent and guided by a clear policy. Staff and volunteers
must be aware of this policy and be able to access, understand and
implement it." It is equally important that the partners (authorities,
agencies and organizations) working with the National Societies
are aware of the nature and content of this policy, as this understanding
facilitates our work with them on behalf of the vulnerable people.
- Clear communication recognizing the opportunities presented by
modern communications, National Societies need to be heard and understood
though short, clear policy statements. The visibility of the actions
in accordance with the policies can increase their visibility as
credible advocates for changes which will positively improve the
lives of vulnerable people.
How can we make it happen?
Once youth programmes and human resource organization is in place,
we need to design a national youth policy and structure to enable
young people to identify needs at a local level and to work to meet
these needs.
We need to examine the organization and remove barriers to young
people's participation, in fact young people work best, learn more
and feel more motivated when they can work in a system which they
can influence: the structure of the group, who their leader is,
what programmes are run and how much money they spend.
This means that a youth structure in the National Society needs
to be supported by a youth policy which outlines how both young
people and others within the Society can make this structure work.
The International Federation Youth Policy and Strategy outlines the principles
of youth participation, describes the responsibilities of the National
Society, the young people themselves and their leaders in making
these principles a reality. It outlines how a National Society can
support youth programmes and activities by providing support structures;
how it can support with leadership training and programme development;
how it can develop a youth representative structure.
Every National Society should use the International Federation's youth policy
as a basis for the development of their own youth policy. As with
the International Federation policy, it can include a strategy which outlines
the programme priorities and organisational structure to be used
for the youth section of the society.
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Youth
