Introduction
How do you know whether you are making a real difference in the lives of young people? And how can you make that difference visible, share it with others, and strengthen it? These were the guiding questions for fifteen professionals from across the broad youth sector who participated in the 2024 training programme Impact Driven Practice with Young People. The programme was organised by AP University College in collaboration with the King Baudouin Foundation and Anders Annelies.
About the Training Programme
Throughout the programme, participants learned how to define, measure, and improve their social impact—not as a tool for control, but as a means to learn, reflect, and grow.
The training explored:
- theories and methods related to impact oriented practice
- techniques for impact evaluation
- approaches for developing theories of change
Most importantly, participants immediately put these insights into practice. By sharing experiences, exchanging stories, and working hands on with concrete tools, they discovered what impact driven work can look like within their own organisations.
The Practice Guide
Drawing on the lessons, discussions, and experiences from the programme, the researchers developed a practical guide. This guide brings together:
- inspiring examples
- exercises and reflection tools
- practical tips for organisations
The aim is to support organisations that want to centre young people in their work and strengthen their social impact. The guide encourages readers to:
- take a conscious look at what is going well
- identify where further growth is possible
- involve young people in defining what “impact” means to them
It offers a solid foundation for those wishing to build a stronger, more learning oriented organisational culture. We are excited to share this publication with anyone who, like us, believes that young people deserve an active voice in the work that is done for—and with—them.
Partners & Support
This project was developed with the collaboration of Agentschap Opgroeien en Vereniging van Vlaamse Steden en Gemeenten (VVSG).
With financial support from Nationale Loterij.