The Good Practice Directory is the second element of the comprehensive RIDE
Toolbox. It was conceived as a collection of fifteen case studies that will evoke
examples of good practices in youth work, with an emphasis on principles of inclusion,
diversity and equality (IDE).
In the previous Toolbox element “Principles and approaches report”, it was concluded
that IDE principles have different meanings in different countries, that organisations
implement them in their own, unique way and that individuals have their own
understanding of these concepts. So, the idea behind a good practice directory was to
show how IDE principles live in practice, how are they understood and how are they
implemented in five different countries (United Kingdom, Turkey, Slovakia, Croatia and
Italy).
You will probably notice a lot of diversity in this directory and we can tell you right
away - it was done on purpose. We wanted to explore both an organisation’s work and
work on particular programs or projects. Likewise, we decided to write about
examples that are seeking to develop approaches for inclusion of all young people in
the organisation’s work and examples that are seeking to work with specific identified
issues. And last, but not least, we wanted to keep our own style of writing in order to
celebrate our individual approach to ‘’storytelling’’ and the process of exploration.
However, our case studies have one thing in common – the focus on the practical
application. Through them, we wanted to give you insight into the life of organisations
and projects (from the beginning to the present day; from starting point till
realization). We talked with youth workers, organisation leaders and young people
who shared their personal stories, learning journeys and activities; who gave a lot of
useful advice for people who are directly involved in youth work. Also, we talked about
different groups of young people with fewer opportunities in order to make them
more visible as a population with specific needs and hopefully inspire other
organisations to include them in their everyday work. We are most grateful for the
availability, responsiveness and shared passion of all these people.