This guide is now being developed at http://www.practicalparticipation.co.uk/yes/.

The text below is kept as an archive only.

This guide sets out to provide practical information, advice and resources to support youth-facing organisations to engage with Social Media.

• Getting Started - about this guide.
• Understanding the landscape - web 2.0, social media, social networks: what are they all about?
• Making the case - the benefits of using social media for youth engagement in different contexts.

In Youth Work and Social Networking (2008) Davies and Cranston identified four stages to working with social networks in a youth work context. These four stages provide a good practical pattern for any organisation exploring social media for youth engagement. Each section below includes practical guidance and resources.

1. Survey - identify existing use of social media, and identify the opportunities for using social media.
2. Safety - building on safe and sound foundations.
3. Staff and Skills - identify who should engage and how.
4. Strategy - choosing the right approach.

• Toolbox of approaches
• Resources and Reading
• Glossary

• Add examples and resources to making_your_case
• Add critical questions to safety section
• Complete application form for Shepherding Change app