Voting with candy wrappers
Who
Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel
Why
The good practice is developed to make quick decisions with every young person involved.
What
At the beginning of an activity, an event or a school day, a group of young people are standing at the entrances with a load of candy (in wrappers). A bit further are 3 trash cans with above them a question, e.a. 'what would you like to do during lunch break?'. On each trash can there is a possible answer (play sports - chill and read - nothing). The other young people drop their (from the received candy) wrapper in the trash can with their favourite answer. When everyone has entered, you know their opinion.
(Almost everyone gives an answer. To avoid 'I don't care' votes on the serious answers, put an 'I don't care' trash can as well.)
--> People who want to know what young persons are thinking, what their opinion is.
How
It’s easy to organise, easy to do. You 'lure' young persons with the candy, so practically everyone participates.
When
Whenever you need an answer. Every question where you need the see what the masses think, is doable. You can adapt it in lots of situations: a school environment, a youth movement, a youth event... At a time there's a lot of people traffic (e.a. the beginning of the school day)
Effect
It’s tested on a number of schools by different pupils, different questions over the years.
The young persons can vote in a simple way, allowing them to participate in the school, their youth movement or their organisation. This means they are heard and their voices count.
! It is important to let the young persons know what happens with their votes. What happens to the results? After all, knowledge is also part of participation!
Assessment
Effectiveness:
High degree / regularly
Gender sensitivity:
High degree / regularly
Culture sensitivity:
Minimal / low
Doable (practical):
High degree / regularly
Participatory:
High degree / regularly
Replicable and adaptable:
High degree / regularly
Assessment/evaluated:
High degree / regularly
Type of good practice
Practical tool
Themes
Promoting democratic values, Youth civic participation
Duration
One day or less
Type of activity
Group activity
Resourses
A poster with the question written on, Posters with the possible answers, A number of trash cans equal to the possible answers, Enough wrapped candy.