Why was this guide developed?
For many years young people have been participating in our programmes as peer counsellors and educators, however the commitment to sharing decision making powers with young people is relatively new.

Now that youth participation is enshrined in our Adolescent/Youth Strategic Framework we recognise that there is a need for a toolkit to support Member Associations in their efforts to involve young people at all levels.

This guide has been developed to motivate IPPF and Member Associations to make self-assessment an ongoing activity and encourage sustainable dialogue, mutual respect and understanding among young people and adults.

We hope that you will use it to evaluate your current position on young people’s participation and find innovative ways of moving forward. Participation is as an essential component of our work in young people’s sexual and reproductive health, rights and development – this guide will help you make young people’s involvement a reality.

Who is this guide for?
Although the guide can be used at all levels of the Federation, it is most relevant for Member Associations and any agencies interested in reviewing and planning their development work with young people.

When implementing these self-assessment guidelines, remember to include a diverse group of stakeholders and make particular efforts to include vulnerable and marginalized young people, such as young women, young people living with HIV/AIDS and young people with different sexual orientation.