'You are taking who?! to a national conference on social policy?': A place for youth in the social policy life of their communities

The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador over the past fifteen years has experienced failure of the ground fish industry, high unemployment, eroding infrastructure, and ensuing high levels of outmigration falling upon an already small population spread over extensive geography. These factors have resulted in the 'leaving behind' of those with the least capacity to relocate and market themselves in more economically viable areas. Most vulnerable are the youth left behind in rural and remote areas of the province, suggesting a focus on community capacity building as an apt response to this phenomenon as a means to maximize the sustainability of such communities into the future. The article describes a two-phase research project undertaken by three faculty members at the School of Social Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in partnership with several youth-serving agencies and funded by the federal government. On the basis of the belief that augmenting youths' understanding of the role and shaping of social policy can increase their capacity for future meaningful community participation, the purpose of the research was to advance knowledge about factors that influence engagement of youth in community-based social policy activity. Analysis of the findings is presented in terms of the factors that impede youth engagement in the social policy life of their communities and those observed to encourage engagement. The article concludes by noting some positive outcomes for youth participants and suggests directions for future research.