When a music leader listens to my opinion, I feel like I'm valued. You feel like you belong there.
Chloe
Creative Academies

WHAT IS YOUTH VOICE AND PARTICIPATION?

Youth voice and participation, ‘youth voice’ for short, is when young people influence how an organisation or project is run.

Examples are when young people and children…

  • …make decisions
  • …shape sessions
  • …undertake leadership roles
  • …give feedback that’s acted upon

WHY DO IT?

Amplifying young voices equalises access to music making, learning and earning. And it doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Young people are the leaders, changemakers and influencers of the future. Put them centre-stage and you’ll soon see the benefits.

Young people will…

  • Feel empowered and heard, in a society that often disregards their views
  • Be part of music projects fit for their ever-changing world
  • Develop their confidence, communication and activism skills

Your organisation will…

  • Be more relevant for young people and have a bigger impact on their lives
  • Develop new skills and insight, boosting staff morale
  • Improve its credibility, and access to funding

YOUTH VOICE COMMITMENTS

Create
Be innovative about how we #ShareThe Mic. Make the process fun!

Collaborate
It’s not about giving up control, it’s about sharing power.

Care
Always act on what we hear and learn.

Communicate
Share how we’ve acted on what we’ve heard.

Champion
Give all ages and abilities a platform to get involved.

young person with mic

"Organisations have the key to unlock the power and the resources to bring out the best in young people."
Aicha
Positive Youth Foundation
IDEA diagram

Internal Resources

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Youth voice - the basics

What is youth voice, and why does it matter? Learn how engaging young people in decision-making and leadership benefits them and strengthens your organization

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Tips from young people

Insights and advice from young music leaders, including tips, industry transformations, and lessons from the NextGen Fund.

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Youth Voice in the Early Years

Our guide offers essential tips on engaging young children, fostering spontaneous musical activities, and collaborating with parents and practitioners.

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Youth voice in research & evaluation

Explore this list of youth voice in research and evaluation.

news

Consultation workshops with children and young people

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Useful External Resources

Youth engagement equaliser

Sound Connections developed ‘The Equaliser’ tool to help everyone take steps on their youth voice journey - from beginners to experts.

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Youth voice & participation handbook

The definitive guide to youth voice and participation for the creative and cultural sector from Sound Connections.

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Young trustees movement

A movement to change charity boards by doubling the number of young trustees by 2024 from the Young Trustees Movement.

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Lewisham Music - A focus on Youth Voice

An IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) Case Study from Lewisham Music.

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A free online Introduction to Youth Voice course from Upstart Projects.

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Youth voice for Music Education Hubs

A toolkit designed for Music Education Hubs from MAC Birmingham

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Videos from Youth Music Empower Hour sessions