Now is the time to create new decision-making tables that share power among youth and adults. Justice, education and health systems all face crises, and youth affected by those systems are raising demands for systemic change.
The best way to achieve long-lasting systemic change is to upend the way we make decisions so that those affected by decisions have a real voice in making those decisions.
Decision-making bodies work best when they:
Create a new table established with shared power rather than creating seats for young people or others historically denied power;
Involve representatives of all the diverse communities affected by the decisions of the body, especially oppressed groups often excluded from power;
Have meaningful power over decisions, including the ability to hold agencies or individual violators accountable;
Train all members on sharing power and accountability towards effective partnership and decision-making;
Equitably resource member participation;
Establish a shared language consistently used by everyone and avoid jargon;
Have budget authority to implement decisions; and
Maintain consistent communication with broader groups since one or two people cannot represent the voices of everyone.
Government and community leaders that act now to share power with those affected by their decisions stand the best chance of meaningful, long-lasting change.