The Children’s Participation Learning Network
The Children’s Participation Learning Network provides a 'space' for critical thinking and innovation concerning children's and young people's participation. In particular it promotes critical learning and dialogue between practitioners, policy-makers, academics and other researchers, and children and young people to achieve meaningful participation for children and young people in all sections of society. The Network – with an international membership - provides a space to support practice learning and exchange, develop and promote new ways of thinking about participation and innovate practice through ‘learning events’, workshops and seminars. The Network provides an email list to facilitate sharing and dialogue, a website and a programme of workshops and seminars.
Children’s Rights Officers and Advocates
Children’s Rights Officers and Advocates (CROA) was formed in 1992 by a group of children’s rights officers. We are an umbrella organisation representing the professional interests of children’s rights officers, and advocates. Our association is a vital source of support and advice for practitioners working in the field of children’s rights and advocacy in various settings. Since we began CROA has increased in size to the point that we now have over 200 member projects who are dedicated to children’s rights, the participation of children and young people in decisions that will make a difference to their lives and advocating on behalf of those children and young people who need independent help in getting their voice heard.
English National Youth Arts Network
ENYAN is the English National Youth Arts Network. The network was launched in June 2006 and is a membership body designed to raise the profile of youth arts across England and the UK, thereby creating more opportunities for the creative and personal development of young people, particularly those considered 'at risk'. ENYAN membership is completely free and is for anyone working with or for young people in the arts or anyone working in youth services who takes, or would like to take, a creative approach to their work. The network is based around the website which provides members with regular youth arts news, events, training opportunities, job vacancies, articles, interviews, case studies, reports and much more. Members can also post their own news, events and jobs. The network has established 9 Regional Advisory Panels across the country alongside 1 National Steering Group and has already made connections with partners in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and internationally.
Rural Youth Network
Rural Youth Network is a membership organisation that is free to join. Our members are drawn from across statutory services, small and large voluntary and community organisations, those working in rural development and community development, government departments, academics and researchers. We work with our members to raise awareness of issues faced by young people in rural areas and to influence government policy on matters including transport, affordable housing, access to training, education, employment and leisure opportunities. We provide training, conferences, news bulletins, and good practice case studies.
For more information e-mail ruralyouth@nya.org.uk
Scotland
The Participation Network is a free national network to promote the exchange of ideas and good practice about children and young people's participation in Scotland. It is open to professionals who involve, or would like to involve, children and young people in decision- making in their organisation. Membership benefits include direct email access to other organisations promoting participation in Scotland and an online interactive map of participation projects across Scotland with contact information so that members can share information, ideas and good practice.
Northern Ireland
CiNI's Participation Portal is a FREE online resource designed to assist in the development of children and young people’s participation in Northern Ireland. Membership is open to all professionals who seek to promote the views of children and young people in decision making processes that affect their lives. Members can access information on participation initiatives across NI, with contact details provided so that members can share information, ideas and good practice. A core part of the Portal is an information directory which includes paper based and web based resources to help develop and inform best practice.
Members also receive timely updates through the Participation Portal Newsletter,
To join or find out more contact Robyn at robyn@ci-ni.org.uk
Wales
The Participation Worker’s Network for Wales (PWNW) is a free membership service being offered to all workers and organisations interested in or actively promoting children and young people’s participation in their work. The PWNW produces an e-briefing every two months, which includes news and updates concerning participation in Wales. A PWNW website is also in development with a public information area, but also a confidential members’ area to include details of each member, how they promote participation and their contact details. This will enable members to search for and exchange good practice ideas and advice with other similar groups.
