300 - Engaging Youth in Measuring Results of Democracy and Peace-Building Programming to Amplify their Voices

Abstract Information: Intentionally engaging youth in measuring results of international development programs can ensure that programs are informed by and adapted to the perspectives of those most affected by them. Partnering with youth at the outset of program implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) efforts can improve the local ownership, credibility and use of data. The International Republican Institute (IRI) and Search for Common Ground (SFCG) will share their approaches and results of engaging youth in MEL efforts focused on democracy, rights, governance and peacebuilding programs. The panelists will discuss several case studies in diverse contexts across Latin America and the Caribbean, the Western Balkans, and Asia, covering a variety of methodological approaches, including complexity-aware methods, developmental evaluation and co-creation of localized indicators through the Grounded Accountability Model (GAM). This session will provide insights for evaluators and program managers looking to engage youth and elevate youth perspectives through a variety of methods. The panelists will share strategies and lessons learned on generating youth buy-in, contextualizing definitions of program success, developing the technical capacity of youth and translating their inputs into meaningful changes to programs.