This piece sets out a framework for developing good practise in empowerment and participative learning for young people. The article arose from and informed the development of an on-going partnership with the National Writing Project, a US professional development organisation for teachers, leading to publication of Writing for a Change: Boosting Literacy and Learning through Social Action California: Josey Bass (2006), of which Jennie Fleming is an editor and author, aimed at building workers’ capacity to empower young people in school. This has recently won the Association of Educational Publishers' 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Publishing.