The Civic Journey
A two-year programme, led by young people, to support and inspire sustained engagement in social action, community activism, and entrepreneurial spirit across the UK.
In 2020, the Institute for Community Studies’ Safety in Numbers? report found that supporting better pathways for young people was the most agreed upon priority for communities across the UK. This research found young people aged 16 to 30 wanted routes to take action in their communities and ways to shape positive change in society, but the majority felt they lacked the entry points, infrastructure, support and resources to do so.
About the programme
The Civic Journey is a two-year, youth-led project, exploring young people’s transition from adolescence to active citizenship. Focused on 16- to 30-year-olds, the programme looks at changes in individuals’ position, role and relationship with their wider community, and seeks to understand both what young people want to do for their community – and how communities, local ecosystems and national policy can support them in return.
Read moreResearch and reflections
‘Let’s seize the optimism of this moment’
Advisory Board member Page Nyame-Satterthwaite reflects on her recent visit to Parliament to discuss the youth-led Civic Journey programme.
Interview with Shenel Birant
“Growing up in the UK, my family wanted me to understand my culture and identity”. Shenel explains how she engaged with her communities and embarked on her own civic journey.
“It is time to connect the ‘civic journey’ for our resilient generation”
Dr Andy Mycock says empowering young people to become life-long engaged, active citizens must be a key ambition for any democratic society.
Interview with Rashid Mwinyi
Now an Executive Director of Pamoja Youth Initiative in Zanzibar, Rashid says, growing up, he had “no planned direction”, and hadn’t considered how he could be supporting his community.
Meet the team
The Civic Journey project is jointly led by staff at the Institute for Community Studies, together with an Advisory Board of 16- to 30-year-olds from around the UK. The programme is also directed by six Community Engagement Coordinators and a Steering Group of experts that share an interest in character development, citizenship and evidence-based policymaking.
Meet the team