"Youth [in conservation] don’t just need a seat at the table, they need to decide what the table looks like"

How do we move youth from token voices to heeded partners?

#IUCNYouthSummit https://twitter.com/iucngys/status/1380507502907949058
1. Youth need to be trained to engage with decision makers

2. Youth that have a seat at the table need their voice to count and meaningful participation in the discussion

3. Youth can talk about more than youth engagement, we have bigger ideas

#IUCNYouthSummit
4. Youth are diverse. One token youth brought into a discussion doesn't represent the range of perspectives. Making space for diverse youth perspectives is essential.

5. Youth that can leverage their position should call out tokenism of youth in decision-making

#IUCNYouthSummit
6. Youth need to practice what we preach; continue to make space for youth in decision-making

7. Youth should join networks

8. Youth can hold leaders accountable by not waiting to be asked but boldly bringing their own chair to the table

#IUCNYouthSummit
9. Youth should ask questions about how their participation will be used in decision-making

11. Youth - advocate for yourself and own your space. You get to choose if you want to be part of something. Or you can leave if you are being tokenized.

#IUCNYouthSummit
12. Youth need access to information to feel like they can participate

13. Youth don't have to participate in person, they can also participate by sharing their ideas in writing

14. Youth need to feel a sense of belonging to be able to effectively engage

#IUCNYouthSummit
15. Youth in conservation: take credit for all the amazing things you have accomplished thus far

16. Youth: Don't minimize the power you have to empower yourselves

#IUCNYouthSummit
In one word: what is one essential, must-have, ingredient to move away from tokenism, to meaningful engagement in conservation?

#IUCNYouthSummit
17. Youth messages to policy makers:

- Youth will live their lives impacted by climate change

- Youth have a RIGHT to participation in decision making

- Youth bring fresh perspectives, but we we can't do it all on our own, we must work with world leaders

#IUCNYouthSummit
18. How do youth overcome feeling like an imposter in decision-making spaces?

- Self doubt is natural and may never go away

- Do it despite your fear; you are doing your best

- Remember that everyone has something to add based on their unique perspective

#IUCNYouthSummit
19. How do we ensure youth feel welcome and supported in these spaces?

- Consider accommodations that may need to be made

- Encourage youth to ask questions

- Remove jargon!

- Patience

#IUCNYouthSummit
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