Building character through youth social action: research report

Abstract

This report is the culmination of research carried out between March-December 2014 with youth social action providers and young people.

The purpose of the report is to explore the link between character, virtues and youth social action. Through textual analysis of youth social action providers’ websites and communications, interviews with senior leaders of these providers, as well as young people who experience their programmes, this research aimed at a better understanding of the link between character development and youth social action.

This research has been undertaken with considerable input from interested stakeholders since its inception – in particular, members of Step Up To Serve’s crosssector Data and Quality Assurance group and the sub-group on character. These groups have provided invaluable advice in shaping this project. In addition, the initial findings from this research were presented at a consultation held at St George’s House, Windsor, in September 2014 (Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, 2014a). Representatives from government departments, education, academia, and the voluntary and corporate sectors participated and their comments have also informed this report.