Shifting Power, Lifting Perspectives: Incorporating Youth Voice into Participatory Learning

Participatory learning, which we define as the deliberate inclusion of grantees and community members with lived experience in learning activities, enables those most affected by social issues to contribute valuable perspectives—and solutions—drawn from their own experiences. Youth represent a critical voice in participatory learning, and their meaningful involvement, and leadership, in program design, implementation, and evaluation are fundamental to the success and sustainability of philanthropic investments. In this Roundtable session, we will invite participants to reflect on their understanding of participatory learning—centered around a case study scenario developed by, and focusing on, youth from Portland, OR. Drawing from Engage R+D’s newly published Guide on participatory learning, we will share tools, examples, and resources that offer tangible guidance on practicing this culturally responsive and equitable evaluation approach with grantees, community leaders, and funders. We have invited a youth leader from Portland to co-facilitate this session and share their experience as part of the participatory learning process. Attendees will walk away from the session with: - Deeper understanding of how participatory learning approaches help support equity and shift power—with an emphasis on youth as trusted learning contributors, advisors, and owners. - Tips on how to integrate participatory learning practices into program evaluation. - Guidance on how evaluation and learning leaders can advance these approaches at their organizations.