Cross-cutting Considerations: Example Program Types and Theories of Change
Because youth are such a large group, assigning a universal theory of change to youth and DRG programming is unfeasible. Any theory offered would be immediately challenged or changed in a given country context. However, because youth are such a large demographic, individual programs that ignore them as a pivotal part of DRG programming are likely to be missing a key influencer of political, social, and economic change. It is thus key to develop a theory of change that is appropriate for your youth-related program or program component.
The following are some sample program types and theories of change for civic participation, youth organization, and youth leadership programs:
Civic Participation (Combination of Civic Education & Civic Engagement)
Program Type: Increase Youth Civic Participation through Civic Education, Civic Skills Development, and Engagement
Theory of Change: Strengthening young people’s knowledge (through civic education), civic skills (through civic engagement and training), motivation and sense of self-efficacy (providing opportunities for program participants to see the results of their efforts), will result in increased youth civic participation
Program Type:
Civic Participation as a Means to Decrease Negative Societal Outcomes
Theory of Change:
In violent contexts, one of the key grievances frequently identified among youth that makes them vulnerable to recruitment by violent groups is their sense of marginalization and disaffection, whether real or perceived. Increasing their opportunities to engage constructively in civic activities and increasing levels of civic values and positive civic attitudes, will result in a decrease in engagement in negative societal behaviors (e.g., terrorism, gangs, electoral violence, etc.). Note: Depending on the context, this theory of change will likely need to be altered to include other key interventions (i.e., increasing government capacity in key regions, strengthening law enforcement efforts, incorporating livelihood options, etc.).
Program Type: Broad Based Civic Engagement with Youth as a Key Target Population
Theory of Change: Increased civic engagement among X populace will improve civic outcomes (increased voting and advocacy and improved accountability and public management). Note: Focus is on integrating youth into broader civic participation programs.
Program Type: Service Learning
Theory of Change: Engaging youth in service learning will increase positive youth outcomes (such as youth self-awareness, positive self-image, community engagement, and positive psycho-social development).
Program Type: Youth Organizations as DRG change agent
Theory of Change: If the capacities, opportunities, motivations, and foundations for youth organizations are strengthened, then democratic institutions, cultures, and governance structures will improve.
Program Type: Strengthening youth leadership
Theory of Change: Investing in youth to be leaders in their communities will have a positive impact on governance and security. Such efforts may also help counter violent extremism as young people have a way to voice their concerns and engage in change processes within their communities.
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)