Participatory budgeting allows students to democratically decide how to allocate a school budget. Titled Des idées, des projets; mon école, mon vote, the discussion guide is intended for elementary and secondary school administrators interested in participatory budgeting at their institution. It lays out a step-by-step process for gathering ideas and implementing a project developed by and for students. Schools can also order election materials for holding a vote.
In collaboration with the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal, Élections Québec conducted a study of participatory budgeting in schools, which provides a means of increasing youth engagement in democratic life. This guide builds on that work.
To get the Des idées, des projets; mon école, mon vote animation guide (in French), please fill in a short online form. We collect this information to ensure the guide’s continuous improvement and to tailor its content to the different clienteles interested in participatory budgeting.
How it works
- The principal sets aside a portion of the school budget for participatory budgeting. This does not need to be a large amount. The important thing is to initiate the process and make students aware that they have the power to influence what goes on at their school.
- Students come up with ideas and identify projects designed to enhance the school environment.
- The selected projects are then shared with the administration, which commits to implementing the one that receives the most votes.
- Students vote for the project they would like to see implemented.
- The entire school can then contribute to implementing a project developed by and for students!
In preparation for the vote, you can order ballot boxes and polling booths, as well as download a ballot paper template (in French).