NDI has produced a global guidebook on youth consultative mechanisms at the local level, in partnership with ICMA and Restless Development, and featuring case studies from youth programming around the world.

This guidebook was developed for youth, youth development practitioners, and elected officials around the world who are seeking to counter trends of youth political disengagement by forming local youth councils: citizen advisory bodies composed of young people who engage with local political leaders in government decision-making processes. NDI generally defines youth as individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, but adapts this range to fit different country contexts. NDI recognizes the diversity of the global youth population, and any use of the words “youth” or “young people” refers to equal numbers of women and men, and includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) youth, youth with disabilities, ethnic and religious minority youth, and youth who are members of other marginalized communities.