Toolbox: Children and Participation

We share this resource with adults who support children in decision-making processes. It is a toolbox that provides theoretical knowledge, practical guidelines, methodologies and dynamic, specific techniques for creating spaces for reflection, in order to equip professionals in the social, educational and municipal fields with key tools for involving children and young people in local governance processes.

Link to the toolbox website: https://www.ub.edu/toolkitinfanciayparticipacion/

Designed to provide intuitive access to resources, the website contains several sections with detailed explanations of the project, the methodologies and the participation tools offered. It also includes explanatory videos presenting the key concepts and strategies, as well as testimonies from those who took part in the pilot and validation phases. In addition, downloadable materials are available that provide practical guidance on how to implement the toolbox in different settings.

The resource is divided into different thematic blocks, each of which addresses a fundamental aspect of child participation and all of which provide concrete techniques for use in specific contexts.

1. The case for child participation: Outlines the reasons and values that underpin the need to include children's voices in decision-making.
2. Participation, shaping a common definition: Tools for reflecting on the concept of participation and its implementation in local contexts.
3. Children's participatory practices map: A compilation of successful experiences of children's participation in different communities, providing inspiration for new projects.
4. Facilitation: relational elements and key methodologies: Strategies for adults to effectively facilitate and support children's participation are presented.
5. Spaces for co-governance: the AssemblyGuidelines for organising spaces for deliberation and decision-making in which children play an active role.
6. Networking, communication and dissemination: Addresses the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and communication to broaden the impact of children's participation.