Organisational Development
Defining organisational development
Organisational development refers to improving an organisation’s structures, systems, and processes; in particular how they work with young people. This is achieved through processes of negotiation, reflection and learning. This section of the guide presents case studies about preparing for working with young people and making the first steps.
The added value of working with young people
In order to support participation externally, organisations need to practice it internally, demonstrating accountability to young citizens. That means bringing younger people into the organisation and its core networks and collaborating with them to make subtle adjustments to working culture where necessary. Young people can bring new, creative and dynamic suggestions to the table, which can help catalyse improved organisational values and systems. This can be achieved by involving young people as volunteers, interns and staff, and ensuring their representation on boards, committees and task teams (with guidance and training as necessary).
Initial steps
Some of the key questions to ask when considering how young people can become more involved in your organisation:41
- What are we aiming to achieve?
- Where have we got to so far?
- What will young people get out of it?
- Are we prepared to resource it properly?
- Why have we not done it before?
- Are we prepared to involve young people from the start?
- Are we being honest with the young people? (Have we managed their expectations?)
- What are our expectations?
- Are we prepared to give up some power? (To listen and follow through on some of their suggestions)
- Are we prepared to take some criticism?
- Do we recognise this as a long-term commitment?
- Are we prepared to build in changes long term and not just have a one-off event?
For many organisations, these questions can only be fully resolved by committing to a mainstreaming approach, whereby young people are targeted and engaged within organisational development, policy and planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
In order to advocate for governments to mainstream youth, it is important to begin with your own organisations and gain experience. Resources for mainstreaming as applied to government are appended to case studies 9 and 13; much of this material is applicable to other partners also.
- 41. National Youth Agency 2007
