Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

Students and professionals interested in working with children and youth in fieldwork and research contexts must be trained in ethical practices. While many researchers and professionals working in the social sciences or aspiring to pursue international development or humanitarian assistance careers receive basic academic training on research methods, few programs prepare students to engage with children and youth in fieldwork. Some organizations emphasize reducing the vulnerability of researchers in the field in compliance with their institutional guidelines. Yet, there is a limited focus on how researchers may inadvertently further the vulnerability of the young people in the field.

This workshop seeks to address these critical gaps, preparing attendees to consider ethical and equitable research and engagement that prioritizes the well-being of young participants. Designed for those with no, or limited, fieldwork experience who aim to work with young people and children, it will provide a critical overview of field research dynamics and effective techniques for reducing the inequalities inherent to research projects and their impact on groups in vulnerable situations.

This workshop is an in-person-only event and is open to Georgetown University students and the broader community.