“Of, Not For...”: The Evolving Recognition of Children’s Rights in a Community

Abstract

This article describes the development of a charterof rights of children and youth in Hamilton,Ontario. The process involved gathering inputfrom over 1,500 children and youth in theform of spoken and written words, drawings,and other visual representations. A validationprocess resulted in over 900 more children beingdirectly engaged. The inclusion of participatoryresponsibilities for both children and adultsappears to have increased the level of acceptanceof the charter among adults. Awareness of thedocument was aided by its multiple formats ofpublication and by an exhibit that toured keylocations throughout the city, beginning at CityHall.