Youth social action brings all sorts of benefits to young people and communities. But how do teachers experience it? And what can we learn from that experience?
'Make it authentic’ is the culmination of our enquiry into how educators experience active citizenship in primary schools in England. In a series of 10 case studies, we highlight the amazing work teachers are already doing to facilitate youth social action, drawing out practical advice and inspiration.
The aim has been to give an educator's-eye view of the challenges and rewards of youth social social action today. We draw on the teacher's voice wherever possible; all the learnings stem directly from their lived experience.
Our hope is that the learning we present here can add a unique dimension to the many other existing resources out there from organisations like First Give, the #iwill Movement, and Young Citizens. The result is a piece of work that is designed to be a product of schools themselves, with the RSA providing a platform for their voice.
Alongside the case studies, we also explore how educators experience doing youth social action alongside their pupils. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative research, we suggest that youth social action has a triple benefit which positively impacts communities, educators and pupils equally.
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