Unpacking meaningful participation: A case study of successful youth influence on policy by municipal youth council members in southern Colombia

Despite consensus on the benefits of youth participation in policymaking, gaps remain in understanding how to best promote and achieve this goal. This study explores how young people elected to the municipal youth council of Florencia, Colombia, define political influence and seek to achieve it. Using a case study design, we appraise a successful example of youth influence in public policy, where youth councilors shaped the “2022–2032 Municipal Youth Public Policy” strategy. Interviews with 21 youth councilors explored their definition of political influence and the strategies they developed and implemented to reach it. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show that youth councilors see influence as the capacity to effect tangible changes at institutional and community levels. To gain influence, they employed strategies learned as community leaders, adapted to the institutional setting, including (a) strengthening leadership skills through peer-to-peer learning, (b) building legitimacy with both young constituents and decision-makers, and (c) finding common ground with policymakers. An intergenerational scaffolding dynamic was identified, where international cooperation actors supported youth councilors in relationship-building and mediation with decision-makers. This study provides insights for enhancing effective youth participation and identifies areas for further research on achieving meaningful youth participation in policymaking.