INTER PARES Seminar Series on Youth Participation in Parliament
Many parliaments have only recently started engaging young people. Members and staff need unique professional and personal skills to do so effectively. They are likely to face challenges in the early stages, including: concerns around safeguarding, especially when dealing with those under 18; uncertainties around how to best meet young people where they are, including seldom heard groups; and, more generally, hesitation to depart from established ways of working.
The INTER PARES Seminar Series on Youth Participation will address these points during three online workshops. This programme is open to parliamentary staff only. It provides introductions by youth engagement experts, alongside case study presentations by representatives from EU Member State Parliaments and INTER PARES partner parliaments.
SESSION 1 | Wednesday 27 November, 1:30pm - 3pm CET
Introduction to safeguarding of children & young people
This first session focuses on safeguarding: the legal and ethical considerations parliaments should be aware of when engaging with children and young people, online and in-person. It introduces the first case study: the Children’s Sub-Committee of the German Bundestag.
SESSION 2 | Wednesday 4 December, 1:30pm - 3pm CET
To adapt or not to adapt? Youth participation and parliamentary practice
Session two explores the practical side of bringing young people into parliamentary work, with a focus on committee work. How can staff prepare themselves, Members and the young people involved? What steps can be taken to ensure appropriate and constructive engagement? This session is informed by case studies from Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago.
SESSION 3 | Wednesday 11 December, 1:30pm - 3pm CET
It takes a village: advocating for youth participation in your parliament
In this final session, participants tackle some ‘devil’s advocates’ questions. Why does youth participation matter, and how can awareness and support be built within your institution? As a final step, we invite participants to share what skills they would like to focus on in the future and what support INTER PARES could offer going forward.
To learn more, visit : the INTER PARES event page. You can register by filling out this form.