#Iwillweek2019 is celebrating the #powerofyouth. In recognition of the work of the 7 years work of the #iwill “Young Ambassadors“, James Cathcart says THANKYOU and makes the case for the network to continue long into the future, led by its graduates and with support of it champions – #Wewilltogether! Too often young people are told “No You Cant – to which our collective response will be:
“Yes You Can! Together We will”
I’m a big fan of the #iwill Ambassadors programme and to everyone of you, past and present, I say a BIG THANKYOU for your service! Ever since the time I remember accompanying some of our young leaders from the British Youth Council to join the first group of ‘ambassadors’ who had been nominated by lots of different youth organisations and from all walks of life, to celebrate the launch of the Step Up To Serve initiative, which oversees the programme, I have been inspired by the passion, commitmtent and work of the #iwll young volunteers.
The first wave, welcomed by HRH Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and other leaders at Buckingham Palace in 2013, were the forerunners to the first wave of role models known as #iwill Ambassadors recruited in 2014, topped up annually to grow into an amazing network of ‘social action’ graduates who have continued to cascade their influence across the country.
Each new generation has increased their impact by getting more involved in design and decision making of the social action movement – for example in making decisions about grants to their peers and taking part in peer-training. It’s this peer-to-peer support that will sustain the network and ultimately secure the legacy of the #iwill campaign long after the initiative completes its seven-year mission.
Each new generation has increased their impact by getting more involved in design and decision making of the social action movement – for example in making decisions about grants to their peers and taking part in peer-training. It’s this peer-to-peer support that will sustain the network and ultimately secure the legacy of the #iwill campaign long after the initiative completes its seven-year mission.
Another feature of the #iwill movement is that it has embraced the concept of #youthled #youthvoice activity as being a social action – including being involved in advisory groups (6% – 2018) and campaigning for something they believe in (8% – 2018). Young people are not just to be celebrated when they volunteer to help in a practical way with fundraising or giving of their time to help charities and others in need, but also when they find their voice to both challenge and offer solutions to the big issues behind those needs. All across the country children and young people are not just stepping up to serve – but stepping up to lead and increasingly, in 2019, stepping out on the streets, inspired by Greta Thunberg and others to take direct action on issues like Climate Change. At last! Young people are being recognised, and heard as part of the national debate, sometimes setting the agenda on a whole range of issues such knife crime, bullying, discrimination, body image and mental health. Many have, of course, been campaigning unheard or unreported for many years, but the #iwill ambassadors programme has been a fantastic illustration of how to support young people, and amplify their campaigns to a broader audience.
This year’s #iwill week is a great example. It’s an annual opportunity to recognise the fantastic and significant contribution that these young people, of all ages, are making to their communities and to our nation. There’s no awards for the best but I wanted to celebrate a couple of #iwill cases studies that illustrate an emerging role for #youthvoice in leading change nationally, not just locally. They are making space and setting a youth-led agenda that is challenging. Leading today – not tomorrow.
Dan Lawes recruited a group of like-minded campaigners to set up #YouthPoliticsUK, a nonpartisan and totally independent youth-led initiative to promote greater youth participation in democracy, registering young voters, and getting their voices heard. They are now set up as a not-for-profit company and last year won a prestigious Democracy Award from the Cabinet Office. And
Katrina Lambert ‘activist and human rights defender’ and member of #YouthForChange who recently challenged youth sector conference delegates to involve young people more in design, delivery, scrutiny and leadership of youth services. (This reminded me that the guidance on the role of youthvoice in the development of youth services is still open until 1st December on the DCMS website and everyone – including young leaders – have been invited to have their say).
AND FINALLY – A CALL TO ACTION: I would like to call for the continuation of the #iwill ambassador network in some form, taking forward its role in spotting future leaders, highlighting examples of good practice, empowering them to support each other and amplifying their campaigns – not only as champions of youth social action, but also to support them in ‘speaking up and speaking out’ on the challenges they face. I wouldn’t be surprised if this development will be led by the Ambassadors themselves, working together, and with the help of their supporters – “#wewilltogether” ! And if they do, they will have my support, and I’m sure the backing of many others, to shape a more caring future for us all, led by #youthsocialaction
#Together #wewill do more!
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James Cathcart, is the Founder and Advocate for YoungVoicesHeard @YVH_YVH | Consultancy, Training, Fundraising & Advocacy