In this episode we unpack the starting point for all youth workers in working with young people in a global way. How do we relate to the journeys that happen in youth work? How do we see this movement and understand the complexities in connecting global issues to our everyday lives? We discuss the importance of challenging and moving people through the stages of the global issues spectrum.
Global Issues Spectrum:
A tool developed by young people as a way of explaining their own Global Youth Work and Development Education journey within a youth club over a number of years.
The spectrum acknowledges the possible different start points for any young person in any youth work group.
Its significance lies in the belief that our work with young people can promote movement along the spectrum.
This movement is not at the same pace for all people, but if we can aim to always focus on positive movement then our work is authentic.
What is uniquely important about youth work is the willingness to accept the start point of young people and to build on the connection we have with them as a relevant driver for their movement along the spectrum.
It is not necessary to explicitly plot everyone onto the spectrum but rather to present it as a tool to illustrate the possible spaces that one might occupy and to show a progressive and positive pathway towards positive change.
