Youth Forum: Applying the Ownership of Peace Theory

Youth Forum: Applying the Ownership of Peace Theory Performance Measurement Framework The Youth Forum initiative applies Porter's Ownership of Peace Theory, which proposes that sustainable peace is achieved when individuals move beyond participation and become co-owners of community problem-solving, decision-making, and outcomes. The project will measure progress across six stages of the Ownership of Peace pathway: Voice, Participation, Ownership, Trust, Cooperation, and Resilience, leading to the ultimate outcome of Sustainable Peace. ________________________________________ Objective 1: Strengthen Youth Voice By the end of the 12-month project period, engage a minimum of 100 youth participants in surveys, focus groups, consultations, and interviews to identify community priorities, concerns, and opportunities for action. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • 100 youth engaged • Minimum of 10 consultation sessions completed • Minimum of 75 surveys collected • At least 15 community issues identified Outcomes • 80% of youth report feeling their perspectives were heard and respected • 75% report increased confidence expressing opinions on community issues • At least 10 youth-identified issues advanced to community discussion Ownership of Peace Dimension Voice ________________________________________ Objective 2: Increase Meaningful Youth Participation By project completion, facilitate youth-led research and the production of at least five media, research, or knowledge products that highlight community issues and propose potential solutions. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • 5 youth-led projects completed • 50 youth involved in project development • 25 community stakeholders interviewed • 5 media productions or reports published Outcomes • 75% of participants demonstrate increased civic knowledge • 75% demonstrate improved communication and research skills • 70% report greater understanding of local community challenges Ownership of Peace Dimension Participation ________________________________________ Objective 3: Foster Ownership of Community Solutions By the end of the project period, youth participants will develop, present, and promote at least 10 evidence-based recommendations addressing identified community priorities. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • 10 recommendations developed • 3 formal presentations delivered to community leaders • 50 youth engaged in solution-design activities Outcomes • 70% of youth report a stronger sense of responsibility for community improvement • At least 5 recommendations receive formal review by decision-makers • At least 3 recommendations receive organizational or community support for implementation Ownership of Peace Dimension Ownership ________________________________________ Objective 4: Strengthen Trust Between Youth and Community Leaders Conduct at least six structured dialogue sessions between youth and community leaders to facilitate mutual understanding, relationship-building, and collaborative action. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • 6 dialogue sessions delivered • 30 community leaders engaged • 100 youth participants involved in dialogue activities Outcomes • 80% of participants report improved understanding between youth and adults • 75% of youth report increased trust in local institutions and community leadership • 75% of leaders report improved understanding of youth concerns and priorities • At least 5 collaborative actions emerge from dialogue sessions Ownership of Peace Dimension Trust ________________________________________ Objective 5: Promote Community Cooperation Establish and maintain at least eight formal community partnerships that support Youth Forum programming and implementation of youth-led recommendations. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • 8 partnership agreements established • 3 collaborative community initiatives launched • 4 jointly hosted community events conducted Outcomes • Increased participation from community stakeholders • Increased cross-sector collaboration among community organizations • Greater shared responsibility for implementing youth-led solutions Ownership of Peace Dimension Cooperation ________________________________________ Objective 6: Build Community Resilience By project completion, establish an ongoing youth engagement network and secure continued participation from at least 75% of program graduates. Key Performance Indicators Outputs • Youth alumni network established • Minimum of 4 annual follow-up engagement activities conducted • 10 youth leadership opportunities created Outcomes • 75% of participants remain engaged in civic or community activities after program completion • Increased volunteerism among participants • Continued youth involvement in local initiatives, advisory groups, and community projects Ownership of Peace Dimension Resilience ________________________________________ Ultimate Impact Objective Impact Statement Within five years, Youth Forum will contribute to the development of more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful communities by increasing youth participation in decision-making, strengthening trust between generations, and promoting shared ownership of community solutions. Long-Term Performance Indicators • Increased youth representation on community boards, committees, and advisory bodies • Increased civic engagement among program graduates • Improved perceptions of trust and inclusion among youth and community leaders • Sustained implementation of youth-led recommendations • Strengthened partnerships among community stakeholders • Increased evidence of social cohesion and collaborative problem-solving • Greater community capacity to address emerging social challenges Long-Term Target • 80% of stakeholders report stronger community relationships and collaboration. • 50% of youth-led recommendations demonstrate measurable progress within five years. • Youth participation in community decision-making structures increases year over year. ________________________________________ Ownership of Peace Results Framework Ownership Stage Youth Forum Activity Performance Indicator Target Voice Surveys & consultations Youth engaged 100 Participation Research & media projects Projects completed 5 Ownership Solution development Recommendations produced 10 Trust Youth-leader dialogue Dialogue sessions 6 Cooperation Community partnerships Partnerships established 8 Resilience Alumni engagement Continued participation 75% Peace Community relationships Stakeholders reporting stronger relationships 80% ________________________________________ Evaluation Question To what extent does meaningful youth ownership of community problem-solving increase civic engagement, trust, cooperation, community resilience, and ultimately contribute to more peaceful and inclusive communities? This evaluation question directly examines the core hypothesis of Ownership of Peace Theory: When individuals are given meaningful ownership over identifying problems, designing solutions, and sharing responsibility for outcomes, levels of civic engagement, trust, cooperation, resilience, and sustainable peace increase. Accordingly, Youth Forum serves not only as a youth leadership initiative but also as a practical community-based demonstration of the Ownership of Peace model in action.