This was not just because I felt I had a positive story to tell. When all the votes had been cast and my story was chosen there was also some satisfaction that these colleagues would now hear what I had to offer. This process – a kind of friendly competition – generated both a sense of excitement in me and, though still apprehensive, a sense of pride that one of my peers would choose my story. All participants first offered a brief account of an example of youth work practice from their own experience and then the group democratically decided which story they would like to hear in more depth. Yet who could dispute the idea of having your practice, which you care passionately about, being open for discussion and debate? However the foundations on which the session was built helped develop a feeling that I had a story worth telling. ![]() When first approached to take part in the IDYW story-telling workshops, I admit entering the process with apprehension. The story-telling workshops helped me to understand the unique practice which youth workers take for granted However, actually efficiently and regularly choosing the appropriate approach to effectively engaging with young people in their varied endeavours is a complex, multi dimensional and learnt skill – a skill that is developed both consciously and unconsciously through the youth worker’s personal and professional experiences.Ĭhoosing a story: from apprehension to excitement Yes – I do believe an individual can have a predisposition to support and enhance the development opportunities of young people. This is why I found the story-telling workshops a profound but simple way of developing my ability to understand and explain the unique practice which youth workers take for granted and others do not understand. On reflection these responses are naive and do not help the credibility of youth work or explain its complex nature as an important contributing factor to the lives of many young people in England and across the world. These are just a few of the responses I, and I’m sure other youth workers, use on a regular basis. I found myself stumbling, trying to find the words to explain something I feel so passionately about. Until recently my answer has been unintentionally vague if not totally dismissive of the complexities that youth work and the relationships within it. ![]() This section was written by Paul Hogan with Debbie Marsden, practising youth and community workers.Ī Youth Worker is asked these questions on a almost daily basis by peers, partners, funders, parents and many other stakeholders who come into contact with us and our practices. Getting Beyond the Taken-For-Granted in Practice
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