The Victorian local government youth charter : opportunities and dilemmas

Since 2004, a process has been under way to support and enhance the role of Victorian local government in youth engagement – the centrepiece of which is a youth charter guide. This paper, written by one of the project designers, explores the context of local government and the intentions of the development project. It is argued that this not only involves organisational change, but re-thinking foundational assumptions about participation, democracy and young people. The project has provided opportunities to support and enhance youth–local government engagement. It also illuminates many dilemmas that relate to change in these contested social systems.<br />