Graeme Dingle Foundation Research Symposium, Youth Engagement

Creating space for the voices of young people and supporting their active engagement in matters that affect them are core principles of effective youth development practice and vital for a sustainable future. Young people in Aotearoa New Zealand desire social change that will improve their lives and the lives of their whānau. Many are eager to contribute but unaware or unsupported to do so. Some are struggling to reconnect with others following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do we ensure meaningful youth engagement in today’s rapidly changing world? Following a two-year absence due to COVID-19 public health restrictions, the Graeme Dingle Foundation in partnership with the University of Auckland’s School of Counselling, Human Services and Social Work and Ara Taiohi are bringing together people in the field of youth work and youth development to discuss research findings, share best practice principles, and to facilitate conversations about child and youth engagement.