Research and reflections
News and views
The Civic Journey: Summary of emerging findings
Emerging findings from our youth-led programme, inspiring engagement in social action, community activism and democratic participation across the UK.
‘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.
‘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.
Levelling up and achieving an Upswing – Part I
For all its sweeping prose and upbeat analysis, Robert Putnam’s ‘The Upswing’ left Matthew Flinders downbeat. What’s needed, he suggests, is an ambitious vision for a new ‘civic journey’.
Levelling up and achieving an Upswing – Part II
Matthew Flinders calls for a ‘civic journey’ that’s focused on nurturing and understanding how and why people move in and out of civic spaces throughout their lives.
Levelling up and achieving an Upswing – Part III
Matthew Flinders explains how a journey-based approach to youth engagement can have transformative potential.
'My civic journey'
Interview with Laila Johnson Salami
“The only way we can secure the future of humanity is by having sustainable practices,” says Laila, a journalist working in Nigeria.
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.
Interview with Lloyd Mann
“My civic journey – and my awareness of my role in my community – started at a very young age.” Youth campaigner and former member of the Welsh Youth Parliament, Lloyd, shares their path to becoming politically engaged.
Interview with Sheree Atcheson
“My civic journey has been a balance of different things,” reflects Sheree, describing herself as “under-represented but privileged.” For young people, she says “being self-aware is key”.
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.
Interview with Eric Scutaro
“The unpredictable can happen,” says Venezuelan-born dancer and artist Eric, encouraging young people to seize opportunities as they arise.