Radical Youth Work
Details
Radical Youth Work - Developing critical perspectives and professional judgement, by Brian Belton
Russell House Publishing, £16.95 ISBN 978-1-905541-57-7
What a breath of fresh air to read this book which basically challenges the whole belief that someone can decide what is best for another person and then put in place what they think will bring the required change to make them into the "citizens they should be". Yes, it is challenging the way in which youth work has become a tool of government conformity, rather than a means of journeying alongside and working with young people as they grow.
Belton shares himself in this book and the reality of what he believes comes through in what is a series of papers, even lectures that would be useful for any student of youth work (past & present) to ruminate on.
He considers change in depth and encourages us to go beyond the ‘one size fits all' thinking that now pervades youth work. He offers some helpful options under the heading RAC: Regard, Accompaniment and Consideration. Values that I cannot find fault with. In fact the whole Accompanying model is one described by Maxine Green & Chandu Christian in their book entitled Accompanying which uses the Emmaus Road with Jesus and the two disciples as the model for journeying with young people.
Not an easy or comfortable read as it pushes the brain to do some work, but I am sure it was worth the effort for me and would hope others find it the same.
David Green is Youth Officer for the Church of England in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire.
Short links
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/radical_youth_work
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/338