School Participation
School participation refers to the use of innovative methods like participatory budgeting, citizens' assemblies and legislative theater that empower students and other relevant stakeholders to shape the policies, plans and projects that govern their schools.
As the most challenging issues of our time — from climate change, to technology’s impact on well-being, to violent conflict — accelerate, schools around the world are experimenting with these novel models of governance, deliberation and collaboration to engage children and youth in the decisions that will shape their present and future. Participation in schools can develop active citizens with lifelong habits of participation, strengthen school communities, and encourage engagement in local government.
About the School Participation Playbook
Cultivating political knowledge, skills and civic responsibility early in children and young people results in more politically active and engaged adults later in life. While a relatively new field, participatory methods can be adapted to make decisions in schools, universities and other educational institutions.
This Playbook consists of four playbooks intended for the planning and design of the following methods that can be used in any educational setting. The content was developed in collaboration with Coglobal.
School Participatory Budgeting
Plan your School Participatory Budgeting process
School Participatory Policymaking
Plan your School Participatory Policymaking process
School Citizens’ Assemblies
Plan your School Citizens' Assembly process