Youth Civic Engagement: A Challenge for Social Work.
A key strategy is the promotion of mixité, or the creation of networks between native youth and those from migrant backgrounds through initiatives such as volunteering and associationism. Recent research demonstrates the positive impact of activities that involve migrant youth as “experts by experience”. Initiatives like Giovani e Intercultura [Youth and Interculturality], implemented in several Italian regions, show how participatory methodologies can foster active citizenship based on empowerment and intercultural dialogue. This project offers training on current topics, supporting new generations in building their social identity and promoting a competent and inclusive citizenship.
To counter forms of discrimination, often invisible and unintentional - that arise even within civil society organizations - it is essential for Social work to adopt an anti-oppressive approach. This orientation allows social work to facilitate not only the participation of migrant youth but also dialogue between them and institutions, promote more inclusive practices, and regard cultural diversity as a resource.
It is crucial to implement these intervention strategies without reducing migrant youth to a category solely defined by their origin. Their cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds intersect with other characteristics. Therefore, migratory origin is not a fixed identity but rather a potential source of vulnerability as well as resources, which must be addressed without "exoticizing" their requests for assistance.
In conclusion, Social work can play a central role in promoting civic participation and social cohesion through anti-oppressive, participatory, and culturally sensitive approaches, contributing to the construction of a more equitable and cohesive society.