Tim's Blog

Really useful input Mike.

I think what I've tried to say about is: 'age does matter' - but we have to know why it matters in particular circumstances and we have to design involvement on that basis so that it is not tokenistic.

I also don't think an event should be written off if there are no young faces. I think it should be questioned if the organisers haven't even considered whether or not it is appropriate to engage young people inputting into the event or process in some way (which may not be through a physical presence...).

Hopefully the three reasons above emphasise exactly that it is wrong for an organiser to involve any young person just because of their age. It can be valid, under Reason #1, to involve someone just because they are a young stakeholder in the issue - as, being a stakeholder, their contribution should be valued.

I broadly agree that 'your age does not matter, what you have to contribute does' - until we set up and require ways of contributing (as I know YoMo does not, but many other settings do) which are, by their design, exclusive and difficult for young people to engage in. Then age does matter - we have to take specific efforts to redress that balance.