Policy Press
10 Peace activism with and by young people
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Abstract
As young people are so often exposed to or involved in violence within conflicts, their essential role in building peace may well be anticipated; however, this is rarely realised in a substantive way. Having voice and holding power are central tenets of such participatory processes. The ideas presented in this chapter challenge the misrepresentation of youth as lethargic, disinterested, and disengaged from political thinking and action. For young people to be enabled in this way, democratic philosophy and practices need to co-exist and converge. The role and position of practitioners, policy makers, influencers, and young people is central to growing a politicised peacebuilding ecosystem. The chapter explores models and stories of youth participation to crystallise what makes a radical and authentic form of youth activism in peacebuilding. We propose that developing an inclusive peacebuilding approach necessitates the understanding and practice of youth participation. This chapter compels the reader to consider the foundations of youth activism in peacebuilding.
Abstract
As young people are so often exposed to or involved in violence within conflicts, their essential role in building peace may well be anticipated; however, this is rarely realised in a substantive way. Having voice and holding power are central tenets of such participatory processes. The ideas presented in this chapter challenge the misrepresentation of youth as lethargic, disinterested, and disengaged from political thinking and action. For young people to be enabled in this way, democratic philosophy and practices need to co-exist and converge. The role and position of practitioners, policy makers, influencers, and young people is central to growing a politicised peacebuilding ecosystem. The chapter explores models and stories of youth participation to crystallise what makes a radical and authentic form of youth activism in peacebuilding. We propose that developing an inclusive peacebuilding approach necessitates the understanding and practice of youth participation. This chapter compels the reader to consider the foundations of youth activism in peacebuilding.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of figures and tables iv
- List of abbreviations v
- About the authors vi
- Foreword vii
- Introduction: A critical approach to youth sector peacebuilding 1
- Working with young people in a contested society 16
- Power and legitimacy: entering the world of the peacebuilder 34
- Prewrapped peacebuilding 52
- A peacebuilding typology 69
- Morphology: an analytical tool for peacebuilding 86
- Four viewpoints on youth sector peacebuilding 99
- A new model of youth sector peacebuilding 121
- Radicalising youth sector peacebuilding 133
- Peace activism with and by young people 146
- Conclusion: Reclaiming a political practice 164
- Appendix 168
- Notes 170
- References 171
- Index 196
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of figures and tables iv
- List of abbreviations v
- About the authors vi
- Foreword vii
- Introduction: A critical approach to youth sector peacebuilding 1
- Working with young people in a contested society 16
- Power and legitimacy: entering the world of the peacebuilder 34
- Prewrapped peacebuilding 52
- A peacebuilding typology 69
- Morphology: an analytical tool for peacebuilding 86
- Four viewpoints on youth sector peacebuilding 99
- A new model of youth sector peacebuilding 121
- Radicalising youth sector peacebuilding 133
- Peace activism with and by young people 146
- Conclusion: Reclaiming a political practice 164
- Appendix 168
- Notes 170
- References 171
- Index 196
