Acronyms and Abbreviations, Key Terms

CSO

Civil society organization

LGBTQI+

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,

EMB

Election management body

queer, and intersex

FGD

Focus group discussion

KDI

Kimpact Development Initiative

IFES

International Foundation for Electoral Systems

KDS

Kimpact Development School

Accessible

A site, facility, work environment, service or program that is easy to approach, enter, operate, participate in, and/or use safely, independently, and with dignity

Accessible formats

Print, audio, or visual information that is accessible to persons with disabilities

Advocacy

The deliberate process of influencing decision-makers and creating change

Assistive device

A tool that aids completion of a task or other function that might otherwise be difficult or impossible

Civic education

Programming that seeks to foster an individual’s democratic attitudes, values, and behaviors, equipping them with knowledge and skills to support their active and informed participation in civic and political processes

Election

A process by which eligible individuals vote for an issue, political office, or position

Formal civic education

Civic education that takes place in formal, school-based settings

Inclusion

Ensuring that traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups, including young people, can access and participate in civic and political life.

Intersectionality

The idea that individuals face experiences of discrimination resulting from the interconnected nature of multiple social identities such as age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, class, religion, socio-economic status, and others

Nonformal civic education

Civic education that take place outside of formal, school-based settings

Marginalized groups

Traditionally excluded populations, including young people; women; LGBTQI+ persons; persons with disabilities; Indigenous Peoples; displaced persons; ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities; older people; and others who may experience personal and systematic discrimination and inequitable access to resources

Positive Youth Development

An approach that empowers youth leadership by supporting and strengthening young people’s assets, agency, and contributions, and the enabling environment in which they operate.1