How to Talk About Youth Work in Ireland
A framing toolkit to help you explain what youth work is – and why it matters.
How we talk about youth work is important. The words we choose can help build public support, influence policy, and unlock funding.
NYCI, in partnership with FrameWorks UK, has developed this messaging toolkit to help you build wider understanding of why creating the right spaces and opportunities for young people is essential — and how to make a clear, compelling case for support
Use it today. Share it widely.
This toolkit is for anyone who communicates about youth work in Ireland, including:
- Volunteers, youth workers and managers at local and national youth organisations
- Campaigners, communications teams, and advocacy staff
- Anyone representing youth work to funders, media or decision-makers
Start using the toolkit today
What’s inside the toolkit?
- Clear “Do” and “Don’t” tips for everyday messaging
- Simple examples and research-backed ways to show the real impact of youth work
- Advice on avoiding common traps like “crisis framing” and jargon filled definitions
Why this matters
Too often, the way youth work is talked about doesn’t do it justice. It gets misunderstood, overlooked, or undervalued.
This toolkit helps you frame your message in a way that resonates — by focusing on the impact, explaining why youth work matters, and painting a varied, relatable picture of what it looks like in action.
It’s based on research by FrameWorks UK, a global leader in strategic communications, and was developed with input from NYCI members and youth work sector representatives.
Bonus content
See the slidedeck from the first training session held by NYCI with Frameworks UK.
Note: these are for internal reference only: NYCI May 2025_slides for reference only