Success factors

Individual workers' initiative
It is often the sheer enthusiasm and commitment of individual workers, paid and voluntary, that starts a new project. Individual workers can and do build partnerships and create long-term change.

Young people's motivation
The first task for the youth worker is to catch the interest of young people. This may be in the sustainable development issues addressed and/or through the medium used to explore them. For example a number of projects use the arts to explore sustainable development. An arts project can be a powerful way of giving young people a voice and the creative process provides a structure in which decision-making is required.

Young people's decision-making
Young people's involvement in decision-making is essential for good youth work. Young people should be involved in decision-making from the start, deciding what issue they want to look at, and throughout the process. Youth workers need to encourage and enable young people to take control and have confidence in their own ability to support the group.

Training and support
While individual inspiration may be a starting point for work with young people on sustainable development, that energy is most effectively channelled when workers are supported by their organisation. Training and support from colleagues can build confidence, develop skills and enable partnerships.