Introduction

The word participation has almost the same result as if casting a spell. Participation projects pass through the grant commissions relatively smoothly. Why do we then care so much about participation one way or another?

It’s been proven that it is not at all complicated to put a mechanism in place through which the children can communicate their opinions. Children’s and youth parliaments are present in schools, villages and counties. The question is if they are formal and if their members are really making themselves heard and make decisions if they aren’t only the ends and not the means.

The aim of today’s young people is certainly not to sit at meetings and discuss various troubles. This sort of thing can only satisfy political exhibitionists. We feel that the youngsters today want to deal with interests which cover a far wider spectrum. If such a parliament is the means to meet the interest of its members, then its existence is justified. If, however, the proposals end up in the bureaucrat’s drawers, then these institutions do not benefit from participation.

Participation means to take part. If we imagine the world of children and youth as two riverbanks, then participation should be the bridge between them; the means to include their thoughts in life, other than the results of unwanted alternatives. Upbringing is at times quoted in defence of the older generation. Participation brings about the decreasing the risks of inter-generational conflicts to an acceptable level. This is why participation today is the effective means against pitting these two worlds on a collision course – the worlds of children and adults.

Participation is most often linked to discussions among the young, with the aim of formulating conclusions. This is perhaps why this gives rise to so many formal structures. It is frequently the case that they don’t participate in other processes. And this is just why they should be a part of all stages of any project to gain the necessary insight and experience. The youngsters have to be present when a new idea is introduced and made to think how to gain support for this idea and then bring it to life and see in the end what it is all about.

Not all start out on even footing. Things are different within the school boards as well as the District Youth Parliaments. Civic associations of children and youth have nevertheless an excellent opportunity to include the children in so many various types of activities where all can find their own niche. The Pioneer Association was always the one whose activity included among others, the children’s input and had them participate in the decision-making process with regards to specific programs and activities.

It may look strange, but the first step is not all that important. The important thing here is to re-examine one’s attitude towards the children and youth in general and to create enough opportunities – and therefore ask the question: why couldn’t the kids participate in this? This therefore concerns the group leader’s attitude, which shouldn’t be put off by the fact that the children missed out on something. All eventual failures can be used as a tool in motivating them. What is important is perseverance: if we’ve decided on something, let’s do it!

What should not be forgotten?

Active lifestyles rest on three main pillars:

• The kids’ and youths’ own ideas for activities;

• Support (financial and material);

• Young leaders.

The young of today have enough of their own ideas about leisure time, their hobbies and plans. They have to trust that we will give them a room for them to implement their own projects. There is one sole concern and that is not to allow projects which could slip into socially pathological activities.

Children’s projects need our support – material, as well as financial. Many activities may be put in place with a minimal support; nevertheless, not all can always be had for free. Creating a mechanism for a support of micro-projects may significantly support young peoples’ activities.

Those who will head these projects (with a little bit of planning, communication, management, etc.) will need some advance education, so that they don’t run into that proverbial brick wall. It is as if the above-mentioned Children’s and Youth Parliament had fallen by the wayside; in the end it can be created because it will be necessary to divide the already limited funds or opt for a project which has a greater impact on the youth. Then such Youth Parliament makes perfect sense and its members (the electors) will feel that this is the means to attain formulated ends.

This following text is mainly for the group leaders – it is some kind of a guide in life of the group. It describes its legitimacy and spreads before us the various mechanisms which function in a relatively small children’s group. The authors have made an attempt to bring as many concrete examples as possible from their practical experience. Most of all, they brought with them loads of advice and hints how to work with the youngsters and therefore create conditions so that the work of the youngsters and children in generating and implementing their own ideas would enjoy the greatest and the most effective participation. The basis for this publication was the serial “Group is a living thing,” published in the monthly Mosaic from the Pioneer Civic Association and from September 2004 until June 2005 it was very highly rated. The authors have expanded the text by new information and have included at the end of the booklet a summary of recommended reading.