Since 2002, Jatan has been facilitating the formation and capacity building of various youth groups. Starting with 11 groups with 157 members in 2002 to over 40 groups with 600 members in 2008, the participation of young people has grown exponentially. Increasing the participation of women and youth in governance and improving the quality of governance is at the forefront of Jatan’s agenda.

Young advocates from Jatan Sansthan have participated at state and national level conferences such as National Youth Consultation towards a Healthy Future - 2004 and State Thematic Meet on Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights - 2005. In 2006, at a State Convention on Reducing Early Marriage and Early Pregnancy in Rajasthan, young advocates of Jatan Sansthan were applauded for their active role in the fight against early marriage.

Moreover, Jatan has been undertaking orientation of female PRIs (Panchayti Raj Institution) ward and gram sabha on their functional powers and roles. Keeping the restrictions of women’s participation and decision making in mind, Jatan has been recruiting and giving orientations to female elected representatives of Rajsamand on health and development issues in their Panchayat. In 2005, Jatan publicly honored and recognized various female PRI members who have performed their roles accordingly and invited these women to share their experiences with other women.

With support of vocal members of the rural community, we’ve formed a mini-secretariat to make the interaction of the community with their elected representatives. The membership is open and several meetings are organized on regular basis to discuss various issues in the communities and jointly work towards a solution. Jatan also organizes regular campaigns to increase awareness on adult franchise, their rights to choose leaders and use available technology in casting votes.