Youth Engagement: Disrupting the System, Making Change Happen


Kate Butler, Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

This paper delves into the realm of applied sociology, examining the dynamics of youth engagement in political processes in Canada. Drawing on feminist methodologies and empirical research, this paper investigates the experiences of supporting youth as they participated in the pre-sessions with government prior to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Review in 2022. I draw on my experiences as a Sociologist, and practitioner in youth work, in developing and leading civic, educational, and community-based activities for young people to allow them to illustrate their experiences as rights-holders. The analysis unfolds against the backdrop of evolving societal structures, technological advancements, and changing socio-political landscapes. Special attention is given to the role of social institutions, government policies, and community initiatives in shaping opportunities and constraints for young individuals. Additionally, the study explores the impact of digital technologies on contemporary modes of communication and the formation of youth subcultures. The impetus for this paper, and this presentation at Congress, is a project that was carried out in 2022 by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, of which I was the Chair and President at the time. We were hired by the Government of Canada to do engagement work with youth on what rights meant to them, and what they thought would be needed to improve the situation for young people. This paper is a reflection on the process, as well as the outcomes of this project. Through a critical examination of existing literature and fieldwork, this applied sociology study aims to inform policymakers, educators, and community leaders about effective strategies for enhancing youth engagement. By identifying key challenges and opportunities, the research contributes to the development of targeted interventions and programs aimed at fostering a more inclusive and participatory society for the youth in Canada. The findings of this study carry implications for broader discussions on social cohesion, citizenship, and the cultivation of active and informed citizens in the 21st century. This paper is relevant to the 2024 Congress theme of ‘sustaining shared futures’ because we need to find ways to better engage children and youth as rights-holders in political processes. In particular, we need to ensure that structurally vulnerable youth are included and able to share their views and experiences with the world around them.

This paper will be presented at the following session: