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

Authors

• Mayra I Rodriguez Gonzalez, Hartford County Extension Center, University of ConnecticutFollow
• Dorelys Oyola Remigio, Departamento de Educación de Puerto RicoFollow
• Kevin G Torres Garrido, Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de EcuadorFollow

Volume

64

Issue

3

Abstract

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.

Authors’ Contribution Statement

Mayra Rodriguez Gonzalez, Dorelys Oyola Remigio, and Kevin G. Torres Garrido contributed equally to the conception, development, and writing of this article. All authors contributed professional expertise, participated in drafting and revising the manuscript, and reviewed and approved the final version for publication. Mayra Rodriguez Gonzalez is listed as the first author because she coordinated manuscript preparation, managed the submission process, served as the corresponding author, and led responses to editorial and reviewer comments throughout the review and revision process.

Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Gonzalez, M., Remigio, D., & Garrido, K. (2026). Designing With, Not for Youth: Reframing Participatory Techniques as Civic Learning Tools for Urban Greening and Natural Resources Programming. Journal of Extension, 64(3), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.66752/1077-5315.9316