Whether at work, in the family, at school or in the community, participation has the same meaning everywhere: listen to other people while showing understanding, respect their opinion, recognize and promote their abilities and create a platform for their involvement. Find solutions for current tasks and problems together and put them into practice. Take part and get involved.
Nothing new in that, you might say. That's right - what's new is only the fact that participation is seen as a concept and is used, analysed and evaluated in a structured way. Involving children is no longer left to chance or to the good will of adults, but is rather defined as a children's right. Those who take participation seriously are called upon to look for dialogue, negotiate interests, to share their "power". This requires the readiness and courage to get involved in new learning processes and makes clear why the call for participation may first of all lead to uncertainty and rejection. However, experiences made in participation projects show: those directly involved are not only entitled but also competent to participate in decision-making processes affecting their own interests and to share the responsibility for the consequences. In the long run joint responsibility and decisions lead to more efficiency and greater satisfaction among all the people involved.
In this issue of FORUM you find articles which deal with the various aspects of the topic "participation" as well as reports on the experiences that SOS co-workers have made with participation and, of course, views of children and youths.