Youth in DRG Programs
Module: Civil Society
Civil society is a critical forum through which citizens can engage and advocate for their interests in political processes. It is therefore vital that all citizens, including young people, have equal opportunities to participate in civil society. While in many cases civil society organizations (CSOs) are leading the fight for universally recognized human rights, civil society may also be a space in which inequality and other forms of discrimination are reproduced. CSOs that are youth-led or focused on youth and other marginalized identities are often seen by other governance stakeholders as “niche” or minority organizations and face challenges inserting their issues and perspectives into political discourse, even when they advocate on “general” and non-minority issues.
By failing to be inclusive of youth and complex marginalized identities in their approach, CSOs may also perpetuate inequality and other forms of discrimination, thereby weakening the democratic culture they seek to strengthen.
Access the full module by downloading the document below:
Explore the toolkit:
What is Positive Youth Development?
What is Inclusive Development?
Models for Integrating Youth
Cross-cutting Considerations
- Civic Participation
- Youth Organizations
- Youth Leadership
- Example Program Types and Theories of Change
Entry Points for Youth Integration into the Program Cycle
Country/Regional Strategic Planning
Project Design and Implementation
Activity Design and Implementation
Monitoring and Evaluation
Guide to Youth in Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Programs
1. Civil Society
2. Human Rights Protection and Promotion
3. Rule of Law and the Justice Sector
4. Legislative Strengthening
5. Local Governance and Devolution
6. Political Party Development
7. Electoral Processes
8. Anti-Corruption and Accountability
9. Reconciliation, Peacebuilding, and Transitional Justice
10. Media, Information, and Communication Technologies (ICTs)