In Unit 1, I highlighted that one of the values I resonated with the most at the moment was empowerment and how I am working closely with young people to create changes that I think they are telling me they want. I guess my area for discussion and refection is how do we ensure that the value placed on empowerment in our practice is real and based on the needs of participants and not what we think is needed?
You pose a question here, but don't offer your thoughts in response. Empowerment is about increasing the capacity of individuals and groups to influence decisions and issues that impact on them. The "measure" of whether young people are becoming more empowered is in their skills and the difference applying these influencing skills is having in their lives and communities. In terms of authenticity for me lies in our ethical practices. If we adhere to our code of ethics we believe in the capacity of those we work with to make a difference. The code also talks about transparency and truthfulness. If we are asked to take forward work which we don't belief is honest and truthful, it is our responsibility to make this clear to those we work with and to challenge where necessary..