Youth workers need …

to see youth work as a process of mutual learning and to see the need for constant competence development.

If youth work is to respond constructively to changes in society and the changing needs and interests of young people, youth workers must be receptive to these changes, reflect on them, seek ways to develop new competences and incorporate their new insights into their practice.

One crucial source for gaining this knowledge is the young people they interact with. This is why youth work always should be seen as a process of mutual learning.

Do you agree on what this means in practice?
Do you agree on to what degree youth work meets this bullet point?
Here you find the questions you need to discuss to find out!

If you think that this is something you need to work on, click the “Add to development agenda” button below. You will then find your agenda on your personal page and be able to start a development process.

Please note!
If you start a development process related to this bullet point you will find the below questions also under the page “Discuss and assess”. There you will also be able to take notes.

Questions to discuss

Is local youth work up to date regarding new developments in society, e.g. digitalization and youth environment activism?
Is local youth work actively using young people as a source for knowledge on new trends and ideas affecting young people?
Are local youth workers asking for regular competence development?
- What are the risks of having youth workers who think that they already “know it all”?
What are the risks of not knowing about new trends in society?

References & tips

“youth workers are bound to be life-long learners and youth work itself is a field constantly under development.” Council of Europe Youth Work portfolio