In a desire to inform the In Defence debate we are posting on this page links to stimulating writing about the purpose and character of youth work. We hope in the midst of the hurly-burly that you might pinch a moment to scour their contents. In addition it would be great if you could suggest material for inclusion in this section.
- see Bernard Davies’s ‘A Manifesto for Our Times’ [2005], his passionate plea for a young person-centred practice focused on process and relationships. It begins, ‘Has youth work ever been so fashionable – or at a greater risk?’
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- see Graeme Tiffany’s influential submission to the Nuffield Review focused on the relationship between informal education in the guise of detached youth work and the prospect of an authentic democratic education.
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- see Conor Rowley’s argument that youth work must situate itself in a way that is active, ethical and in harmony with its principles.
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- Doug Nicholls draws our attention to the trilogy of challenging books that have emerged from Manchester in the last year – from the Manchester Metropolitan University, Janet Batsleer’s ‘Informal Learning in Youth Work’ and Carol Packham’s ‘Active Citizenship and Community Learning’, and from the Manchester University, Kate Sapin’s ‘Essential Skills for Youth Work Practice’. Find his review of Janet and Carol in the October 2008 Rapport available at http://cywu.org.uk and his comments on Kate below.
