#iwill Fund Learning Hub: What is Youth Social Action?

Introduction

This report looks at what youth social action means in the #iwill Fund. It explains how the term is used and understood in practice. The aim is to support a shared understanding. It’s for funders, youth organisations, and policy makers working with young people.

Findings

The report found that youth social action can be hard to define. However, clear shared features are emerging. Youth social action covers many types of activities led by young people. These activities aim to benefit both young people and their communities.

The research found that:

• youth social action is led and shaped by young people

• activities help young people and communities

• 6 broad types of youth social action can be identified, such as volunteering and campaigning (although not all volunteering is Youth Social Action)

• 3 common features support positive experiences and benefits for young people, including safe challenge and self-directed action

• youth social action takes many forms and works in different settings