GET INSPIRED MAKE A DIFFERENCE BE THE CHANGE ACTONIT! An essential guide for today’s young leaders PROJECTS TO INSPIRE FINDING FUNDS Surefire ways to finance your venture Get et G d Started tatorturnte SHow your How they happened dream project into a reality INSIDE Practical info, tips and strategies you need to know Young leaders share real world wisdom and advice Highlights from great projects around the world An invaluable directory of great funding sources THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS At the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000, 189 Heads of Government promised to end poverty by 2015. They signed a declaration committing developed and developing countries to eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Welcome to AC T ONIT! A magazine for young people committed to making a difference... A collaboration between youth project leaders and the British Council, we hope this magazine serves to inspire and enable you to get ventures of your own off the ground. Inside, you’ll find contributions from UK DTA participants keen to share their skills and experience with you. We cover everything, from turning your dream into a reality, showing you how to seek funding, overcoming obstacles, forging support and establishing projects guaranteed to enrich young people in your community. You’ll also find an invaluable resource directory to help you make connections and work together in achieving your vision. Whatever idea you have in mind, ACTONIT! aims to provide all the support and encouragement you need to make your project happen. Sharing knowledge is key, both locally and globally, which is why we showcase recent ventures from around the world. DEBATE TO ACTION Debate to Action (DTA) was developed by the British Council in partnership with the World Bank Institute. Running workshops across Africa and the UK, its aim was to encourage youth participation by raising awareness of the Millennium Development Goals in a local, national and global context. In the UK, participants talked both to each other and to young people in Africa about the impact the MDGs could have on their lives. They exchanged ideas and information, and focused on how they could help from within their own communities. Ultimately, DTA encouraged the building of leadership skills among participants in order to design projects and training that offered far-reaching benefits. ACTONIT! serves as a showcase to projects that resulted from this unique venture. By enabling you to connect with like-minded young people, and creating constructive networks, we believe you can make an impact and a change for the better. Every success story has to start somewhere. Yours begins right here. Contents 4 Setting Up 6 Securing funds 7 Making a difference 8 Be inspired 10 The bigger picture 11 Get your project connected 12 You said it... You’ve got a great idea but don’t know how to put it into action. Here’s how Follow these simple steps towards finding funding for your dream project Established youth leader Andrae Palmer explains how he got started Find out what young project managers have been up to across the UK From Wales to Uganda, youth leadership projects are taking place around the world Looking for a potential backer? Check out our directory Inspiring quotes from the best and brightest in today’s youth leadership Enjoy! ACTONIT! Editor Monomita Nag-Chowdhury Project Manager Juan Toledo Youth Editor Andrae Palmer Ground Up Development Production Manager Tim Blyth Monomita Nag-Chowdhury Development Manager Youth Contracts and Projects, British Council Tel: +44 (0) 207 389 4634 monomita.nagchowdhury@britishcouncil.org This magazine can be downloaded at: www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth-news.htm The views represented in this magazine are not necessarily those of the British Council. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the British Council cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. Credits Pictures: istock, MDG icons: © UNDP Brazil Published by Engage Publishing Ltd, on behalf of the British Council www.britishcouncil.org ACTONIT! So you have a burning idea... You want to put something back into the community – a project that will benefit young people – but you don’t know where to begin. You’re not the first person to be in this position, which is why we’ve drawn upon the experience of successful youth project leaders to show you how it’s done... Setting up 3.Innovate The more original you can be in your approach the better. Creativity is a strength and should be utilised. This is likely to make your funders look at your project more favourably if it’s up against competition. At the same time, be sure there is a real need for the project you’re proposing. If it addresses a social problem, or a shortcoming in your community, the value of your proposal will be clear to all. “Be sure there is a real need for the project you’re proposing” 4.Stay focused You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when putting a project together. There are several proven steps you can always take Establish your key themes and objectives, and stick to them! Otherwise, you risk getting distracted by new ideas and losing sight of your goals. Often, funders have ideas of their own, so try to establish at an early stage whether or not your project fits their criteria. Ultimately, you need to stay true to your cause. 1.Plan in advance The more preparation the better. Developing a timeline is often very useful. Consider everything involved, from your budget, fundraising strategies, and any recruitment or marketing needs. It’s also worth building a little extra time into the plan. You may not use it, but at least it gives you the flexibility to avoid delays should problems arise - which they will. With a clear and concise strategy in place, you’ll know what’s involved in order to turn your ideas into a successful project. “Positivity is vital, but it’s just as important to be realistic about your objectives” 4 Making it Happen 5.Build a budget 2.Be optimistic but realistic Like most things in life, the outcome of our actions are often determined by the attitude with which we approach them. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing then why should anyone else? Positivity is vital, but it’s just as important to be realistic about your objectives, outputs and outcome projections. In terms of funding, you stand a greater chance of success if you’re entirely realistic about your expectations, and can demonstrate the full potential of a project at the planning stage. You may have the world’s greatest project idea, but without the funds it just won’t happen! The first step towards securing a backer is to establish a budget. Once you have a clear idea of what your project will cost, it’s worth factoring in between 5-12% to cover unforeseen costs. The strength of a contingency budget can often mean the difference between failure and success. 6.Money matters A great idea goes nowhere without funding. Therefore, it’s vital you make every effort to find out what’s on offer. Check out our Directory on PX, for listings of the main players, but also look at possible sources in your neighbourhood. You might find individuals prepared to dig deep, or even create a collective of funding sources that share your dream and unite behind your project. Securing Funds You’re a project leader with a plan of action. All that’s missing is the money. By following these simple steps, you can be sure you’re making an application that stands up to scrutiny Do your research Triple-check application Before making an application, find out exactly what your backer is looking for in a project. Look at previously funded ventures to find out if yours will strike a similar chord. The clearer you are about what you’re offering, the better you’ll be able to tailor your application to meet the needs of any potential backer. Understand the process Funding can be a slow process. Pestering a backer for a response could affect your likelihood of success. The key here is to be crystal clear about the process before making the application. If in doubt, ask. A backer should welcome the dialogue, as it demonstrates that you have a professional outlook. The slightest mistake could ruin your chances, so be sure your application is spot-on before you submit it. Ask people you trust to check it out. Knowing you’ve done your level best can only bring you peace of mind. Consider your referees Sell the vision Applying for funds for your project is a lot like applying for your dream job. You know it’s a venture that will make a difference. What matters now is convincing potential backers. Don’t fill in the application straight away. Write several drafts until you’re happy you have made your strongest pitch. Most potential backers will ask for references. They want to know you’re the right person for the job, which means making sure your referees won’t let you down. Make sure they understand what’s required right from the start. If you’re in doubt that they’ll deliver, choose another referee! More funding advice on page 11 Progressing the project Collaborate You’ve sold the idea. The funds are ready for investment. Here’s how to make the most of your momentum If it’s a large-scale project, don’t try to do everything yourself. The fact is people will want to help, so be prepared to work with others. Draw upon their skills and make the most of their time. Communicate Make sure everyone involved has a clear idea of their role and their responsibilities. As well as issuing instructions, set aside time to listen to your team. It’s the surest way to review and evaluate how a project is progressing. Compromise Regard obstacles as opportunities to refine your project. Adapting is often the key to ensuring delivery of your project. 6 Making it Happen ACTONIT! Making a difference Andrae Palmer is the founder and director of Ground Up Development, a youth-led organisation based in Brixton, South London. Andrae talks to us about his experience of youth project leadership Rewards for all My interest in becoming a youth project leader began with a journey. I was also engaged in the British Councils’s DTA Scheme during the London pilot in 2007, This experience has contributed to a range of projects In 2005, I participated in a trilateral exchange trip organised by the British Council. Travelling to Cameroon with a party of young people from Britain and Germany, I encountered a different world. It was one based on hardship and poverty, but one that showed me how strong the human spirit could be in the face of adversity. Quite simply, I saw young people setting up community ventures on meagre budgets. It was an inspiration, and I vowed that back home I would follow their example. and programmes since Hidden Histories, each designed to enlighten, educate and empower young people regardless of their background. We continually strive to seek funding, and ensure that every penny is responsibly invested to benefit all participants. Leading the way Drive and determination From this Hidden Histories was born. It was Ground Up’s first ever project – supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. I started out with a notebook, holding meetings in cafes with people who had the experience and expertise to help me. I quickly realised that I could get things done providing I was 100% committed. It took up a great deal of my time. Giving back to the community My background fired me up to do something positive for the people around me. Growing up, I’ve seen tragic things happen to loved ones, largely through gang culture, knife and gun crime. With Hidden Histories, I saw an opportunity to open the doors to a brighter future for inner-city youths struggling with their sense of identity and cultural pride. It enabled participants to gain a positive view of their heritage and empower their outlook on life. “There is no better reward than seeing young people utilise their skills and talents to reach their potential” Some say what I do falls within the remit of a youth leader, social entrepreneur or community activist. I prefer to see myself simply as a ‘doer’! Like anyone in my position, there’s no better reward than seeing young people achieve their potential. The future Ground Up is an organic organisation, founded on the needs of young people, and if we’re going to respond to that I have to build capacity into the organisation. Forging contacts is critical. If I know that I can call upon people guaranteed to help me, it gives me the confidence to drive all manner of projects. Ultimately, I want to help young people realise their dreams, just as I have realised mine. Andrae’s advice The needs of young people are constantly changing. You only have to look at the impact of technology, such as the internet, to see how their means of communication has evolved. As a youth project leader, you need to react to these changes, and even anticipate them. It’s the surest way of delivering something that’s genuinely needed by the community – something that can bring people together and even leave a lasting legacy. Be inspired This year, across England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland, young project managers have achieved some outstanding feats of enterprise Climate change WALES Leaders Nathan Swain, Patricia McMahon, Teleri Lea and Anna Guido Our team came together as a result of the DTA Wales day-school on climate change. We wanted to get young people to engage with sustainability issues and so set about organizing Cardiff’s Call to Action, a one-day awareness-raising event at Cardiff City Hall. The day itself included speakers and interactive workshops from a variety of organisations - all with the aim of encouraging young people to “be the change”! “We wanted to get young people to engage with sustainability issues” YOUNG PEOPLE AND ALCOHOL bolton Interactive sessions with young people at the Bolton council of Mosques. The group will look at the issues surrounding alcohol and its impact upon health and the community. Leaders Jibraeel Salayman, Umar Hussain Dangers of smoking bolton Interactive sessions with young people at the Bolton council of Mosques. The group will look at issues surrounding smoking and their impact on health and the community. Leaders Mohammed Koya, Reme Begum 8 Projects weekend away wales A residential weekend on personal development for 10 young people from Llandysul Youth Club (NEET) and Newcastle Emlyn School. Leaders Francesca Adizzone The Change NORTH WALES Inspiring interest in global issues, addressing intergenerational tensions locally. Leaders Kaine Bentley, James Viney Advocacy on Poverty Issues within the student community Liverpool/ Manchester Investigating how the economic downturn is affecting students. We aim to define the concerns of young people who are studying. Leaders Ahmad Wahid, Step down manchester MDG workshop and Q&A with David Milliband and Sir Alex Ferguson. Leaders Brian Talabi ACTONIT! Cross-cultural drama MDG and health event swansea An awareness-raising event about the MDGs, and especially Health and HIV/AIDS in Africa, linked to Swansea Mardi Gras/Gay Pride. Leaders Ryan O’Malley, Emma Rees Where’s my Obama? Cardiff An action research project that aims to explore the role of a ‘leader’ in today’s world of global challenges. Leaders Holly Mae Steane-Price Women into empowerment Belfast Promoting awareness of gender equality among women of various ages. Leaders Michaela Simpson Respect and Protect Derry Aims to raise awareness of HIV / AIDS and other sexual diseases to young people by delivering workshops, discussing misconceptions and ways of creating awareness and implementing the results. Leaders Grainne Farrelly Challenge Your Challenge derry Aimed at empowering women from ethnic minorities living in Derry. The project will increase awareness of women’s rights. Leaders Marlena Musialek Silhouette Lurgan A project committed to showing women that beauty is not constrained to age, size, shape or ethnic background. Leaders Emma McKinley, Rebekah Martin Local Democracy cardiff Ongoing global youth action project that aims to develop youth voice and active participation mechanisms via links with local decisionmakers/counsellors. Leaders Paul Lewis Forced marriage ENGLAND Leaders Hussan Adam and Humaira Patel The idea for our project stemmed from a news story about a local girl who had escaped a forced marriage in Pakistan. We wanted to organise a conference to highlight available help for vulnerable people. To begin, we contacted a drop-in centre and a local Imam to talk about how the issue affected the community. We also contacted the Forced Marriage Unit in London. They provided us with publications to distribute. We motivated young people to attend the conference by utilising Youth Action’s database of 6,000 members. We’re now looking forward to a one-day conference packed with great speakers. “We wanted to help vulnerable people” Scotland Leaders 17-strong drama group As part of the Youth in Action programme, we wanted to create a performance drama that could be enjoyed by English and non-English speakers alike. With our grant in place, we conceived, designed and staged a play. It was first performed in South Lanarkshire, before a group of Estonian and Finnish young people. We went on to contact Brouhaha International, who run an annual festival in Liverpool. They invited us to participate in a series of street theatre workshops. All these activities were included in the official programme of Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008. We even captured the whole experience on a DVD, which will now be used as a tool for peer education. “We conceived, designed and staged a play” Wales Somaliland Communities Link Football Coaching Project Wales Production of a DVD and manual on football coaching for use in Somaliland. The aim is to use football as an educational tool for health and other youth issues. Leaders Ali Abdi HIV awareness northern ireland Leaders Viola Ocharo My project was inspired by an MDG residential course. I came from Kenya to study in Northern Ireland, and became interested in creating a project to raise HIV awareness among young people. I chose to do an awareness talk at a college in Londonderry. With 80 students in attendance, I brought in a professional from the HIV Support Centre in Belfast. Following an inspiring talk, the students enjoyed a Q&A session. Overall, it’s been an exciting and enriching experience. I’ve met progressive young thinkers and now understand the benefit of different cultures sharing great ideas. “It’s been an exciting and enriching experience” Creation of Upper Bann Youth Board lurgan Committed to establishing a group for young people with leadership potential to deal with issues on any level. Leaders Richard Hill, Simon McClean, Charmain McCum Your Goals Explained wales Peer training for future Platform Two participants, international volunteers and those from youth services interested in the MDGs. Leaders Edward-Vincent Weeks youth power weekend merthyr tydfil A youth empowerment residential information and training weekend for 10-15 young people aged 16-19. Leaders Ryan Coulton For more information email activecitizens@britishcouncil.org or call Monomita at British Council (see page 3) or Helen Jones at CYEC (Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council) 0207 498 6151 The bigger picture Some leaders are helping to change communities other than their own. Read here about recent projects that spanned the globe It’s not just young people in the UK who are setting up UK projects in a bid to make a difference. It’s happening everywhere! Discovering what people are doing on an international level, sharing ideas and experiences, and even forging working partnerships, can only serve to strengthen our global community. Northern Ireland Kenya Discussions about agriculture, infrastructure and health. Participants in Northern Ireland discovered plenty about Kenyan community projects. Among the challenges discussed included participants in Ghana working on large scale educational projects with young offenders and whether smoking companies might object to their community project. here’s where to start, with a list of leading UK sources, including what they’re looking for and how to get in touch. Good luck! British Council Wales Uganda Participants felt that hearing about projects in Uganda was both inspiring and interesting. They even discovered plenty of common ground in some of the projects undertaken. Projects Miliband without frontiers In January, David Milliband joined Sir Alex Ferguson in meeting students from Cedar Mount High School in Manchester to discuss the pupils’ involvement in the British Councilmanaged Connecting Classrooms initiative, which helps develop collaborative projects between schools in the UK and other schools around the world. The DTA team were on hand to provide interactive activities designed to raise awareness of the MDGs. www.britishcouncil.org/ connectingclassrooms 10 Projects Nick from Scotland reveals how his desire to raise HIV awareness has seen him import success Thanks to the British Council, I’ve had many opportunities to exchange ideas and information about HIV awareness at an international level. While attending the African World Economic Forum in South Africa, I helped to establish Youth End Poverty Cape Town. By getting involved in the project’s HIV/Aids awareness work, I left with a stark insight as to how far behind we are by comparison. In South Africa, everybody is connected If it’s funding you need then Meeting Foreign Secretary meets students to discuss how to achieve the MDGs Get your project You’re a project leader with a plan of action in need of funding. Get in touch with these potential backers and make that project happen So, whatever your idea, it’s worth reaching out to like-minded people for help, advice and inspiration that can transcend borders. To help forge such connections, the British Council has been hosting international video conferences as part of DTA. Check out details of some unique exchanges. England Ghana ACTONIT! encouraged to know their HIV status, while rapid testing is widely available. I was determined to see Scotland come up to this standard. In December 2008, the young people of Youth End Poverty Dundee, and their colleagues in Cape Town, put on an award-winning World Aids Day Event. We spoke with the Public Health Minister, NHS officials, HIV support groups and other charities about the need to raise awareness and be informed. My project may only make an impact on the immediate community, but by continuing to work together it can only help bring us closer to a world free of HIV. Youth In Action Funded by the European Commission, the British Council is the UK national agency for the Youth in Action programme. It provides opportunities, through non-formal education, to participate in group Youth Exchanges, European Voluntary Service, Youth Initiatives and Democracy Projects and Training Courses. 0207 389 4030 www.britishcouncil.org/ connectyouth Global Xchange A partnership programme managed by the British Council, VSO, and a number of local partners around the world. In delivering international volunteer exchanges and other activities, it aims to help create global citizens who value volunteering, diversity, community development and social action. 0208 780 7500 www.globalxchange.org.uk Active Citizens The British Council is developing an Intercultural Dialogue programme that promotes global citizenship via social action such as developing networks and community projects. Will launch in several countries. 0207 389 4264 activecitizens@britishcouncil.org The Youth Bank A new UK-wide grant-making initiative run by young people for young people. Local YouthBanks provide small grants to projects that benefit the community. 0116 242 7446 www.youthbank.org.uk Youth opportunities 14–19 Government initiative involving local authorities around the country to fund projects for young people Please contact your local authority to find out more. www.direct.gov.uk FREQOUT! The Rank foundation Supports community-based projects, particularly for young homeless people. 01926 744550 www.rankfoundation.com. Unlimited UnLtd is a charity that supports social entrepreneurs, people with vision, drive, commitment and passion, in fact anyone who genuinely wants to change the world for the better. The charity provide a package of funding and support to help individuals make their ideas a reality. 0207 566 1100 www.unltd.org.uk The prince’s trust Offers training, mentoring and financial assistance to 14-30 year olds, as well as small grants for obtaining training, education or work. Support is also provided for budding entrepreneurs. Grants vary from £50 to £3,000 depending on the project and the help needed. 0800 842 842 www.princes-trust.org.uk Gives grants to young people and communities who develop media and technological projects, focusing its activities on deprived areas. 020 7245 2861 www.vitalregeneration.org/ freqout Awards for All A Lottery grants scheme that funds small, local community-based projects in the UK. 0845 4 10 20 30 www.awardsforall.org.uk Vinspired An independent charity that supports volunteering and voluntary organisations. Aims to inspire new volunteers aged 16–25. 0800 089 9000 www.vinspired.com Useful links British Youth Council www.byc.org. uk Developments www.developments. org.uk UK Youth Parliament www. ukyouthparliament.org.uk DEA www. dea.org.uk The National Youth Agency www.nya.org.uk Millennium Development Goals www.millenniumcampaign.org/youth your goals, make You said it... “Seta plan, interact and “ Very quickly, get ideas generating, I realised that be informed, show you are somebody, show I could get commitment things done Kristen Nielson, providing I was one Millenium Generation for Change hundred percent It’s hard to imagine managing a project committed. It took yourself if it’s something you’ve never up a great deal of done before, it helps to talk to people with the experience. my time, but I was I’ve seen participants gain ” “ determined to make it happen ” real confidence through the training in terms of team-working and Andrae Palmer, ideas Ground Up, London, England communicating Amy Jones, DTA Facilitator ” The most important part was getting young “ people to attend. We achieved this by using Youth Action’s database of 6,000 members. As a result, we are now looking forward to a one-day conference that’s packed with great speakers Hussan Adam and Humaira Patel, Forced Marriages project, Blackburn, England “ Our day included speakers and interactive workshops from a variety of organisations - all with the aim of encouraging young people to It’s been an exciting and enriching experience. I now have a clear understanding of the benefit that can arise from sharing great ideas between cultures ”“ “be the change!” Nathan Swain, Patricia, McMahon, Teleri Lea and Anna Guido Sustainability project, Cardiff, Wales “ ” ” Viola Ocharo, HIV project, Northern Ireland I am always impressed to see the diversity of experience and backgrounds that participants bring to each project ” Barbara Soetan, Youth Trainer