Designing With, Not for Youth: Reframing Participatory Techniques as Civic Learning Tools for Urban Greening and Natural Resources Programming

Here, we present four participatory techniques—visioning, mapping, photovoice, and codesign—with practical recommendations for their effective implementation in fostering civic learning and engagement in urban greening among BIPOC and Hispanic youth. With examples of culturally responsive, hands-on activities and an AI-assisted synthesis of youth ideas, drawn from application with over 100 youth in Connecticut, we illustrate their use in informing local urban planning processes. We highlight the role of these techniques in positioning youth as active civic agents and collaborative designers in the creation of urban green spaces, with application for Extension professionals, educators, and planning officials.