Youth in DRG Programs
Module: Media, Information, and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Today’s youth are growing up in an era of technological advancement in which social and online media are widely available. As a result, they are the leading producers and consumers of this type of media and therefore have the opportunity to take a leading role in building a vibrant media sector. Young people can also use social media and other ICT tools to improve the outreach and operations of civil society groups, political parties, and other political organizations. It is important to note, however, that young people’s access to and ability to utilize ICT varies across different identity groups and communities. For example, young people with disabilities may not have the same opportunities to learn about ICT as those from urban, elite communities. In many places, gender norms do not allow women the same opportunities to utilize ICT tools. Media professionals and social media activists from other marginalized groups may also face increased intimidation, harassment, and violence, as well as heightened risk of identity-based violence. Further, during a time when mass access to online media may foster problems of disinformation about political processes and government, it is important that young people and other groups have the skills to properly assess the credibility of media sources.
Finally, the manner and frequency with which media sources portray youth and issues important to them can have serious implications for how they are viewed within society. In democratic societies, media must strive to represent all segments of society equally and fairly. The attraction of youth as niche markets for the media industry may incentivize media organizations to engage and properly portray diverse young people in their work. Taking steps to strengthen independent media and create more inclusive means of media production and consumption represents an important action in promoting youth, inclusion, and equality, and furthering inclusive and transparent democracy in support of USAID’s DRG Strategy.
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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)