The Center for Youth Participation and Human Rights conducts research both at home and abroad to determine the significance of family and community norms in the socialization of children and youth into democratic ideals and civic involvement. About the Center Understanding children's civic involvement has long-term significance for the community, the nation, and the world because of the need to socialize the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that are fundamental to sustaining a democracy.
Participation is at the heart of what a democracy means.
Also, participation plays an important role in children's social and personality development. Critical to children's meaningful participation in a civil society is an understanding of children's perceptions of rights. To research the development, maintenance, and enhancement of community institutions that facilitate meaningful community participation by children and youth, especially those that affect their everyday lives. To research and promote public policies supportive of meaningful community participation by children and youth, especially those that affect their everyday lives. Most discussions of globalization have failed to consider the impact of globalization on children.