ChangeMakers
ChangeMakers is an initiative to give 11-16 year olds a platform to make the changes that they’d like to see in their community.
What change do you want to see?
The first ChangeMakers group starts 11 February, 3:30-5:00pm.
YOUNG IDEAS WANTED!
Together with other young people, ChangeMakers create and implement community action projects to make a real difference. You could choose to work on projects such as:
- Equality and social justice
- Environment and sustainability
- Local safety
- Youth wellbeing and support
- Cultural exchange
Projects are youth-led, but are supported by partners from across the Developmental Assets project in and around Newark. You’ll be helped by staff and volunteers to make your ideas real and put change into action.
Too shy? No experience? Never done anything like this before?
ChangeMakers is for you.
ChangeMakers are open to young people of all backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, ideas, personalities and cultures.
Young people can apply themselves, and we also encourage teachers, youth workers and caregivers to encourage young people who may not usually engage in extra-curricular activities to apply and have their voices heard.
The first ChangeMakers group starts 11 February at YMCA Village, Newark. 3:30-5:00pm.
What’s involved?
Step 1: Hearing Your Youth Voice
This first interactive sessions are all about you, and how young people feel about growing up in and around Newark. Together your cohort will identify what’s most important and start thinking about how you might be able to influence change.
Step 2: Skills Workshops
You’ll be invited to sessions that help you learn things and support your community action project. Skills workshops could include leadership skills, teamwork, branding, design and problem-solving.
Step 3: Community Action Projects
Over a 6-week period, you will design and deliver a unique project that’s linked to the issue your group agreed on. You’ll work together as you help each other to drive action in your community. A team of staff, volunteers and partners will be on hand to help – but ultimately, the decisions are in your hands.
Step 4: ChangeMaker Celebration
At the end of the project, we’ll reflect on the fantastic work you’ve done for your community with a ChangeMaker Celebration event.
Option: Youth Advisory Board
Once the programme is over, ChangeMakers can choose to stay involved by becoming part of the Youth Advisory Board.
This board is a representative voice for young people across Newark, for young people to be heard on a community-level and with active decision-making responsibilities in project initiatives.
Get Involved
Sign up to be a ChangeMaker below, please note we will need emergency contact details for a parent or guardian.
Who we work with:
Kindly funded by:
FAQs
-
Who is ChangeMakers for?
ChangeMakers is for all young people, of all backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, ideas, personalities and cultures. No experience needed!
-
How are cohorts chosen?
It is open recruitment, sign yourself up and see what you can achieve!
-
How much commitment is required?
We meet every 2 weeks but during the action project, if you want to commit more time, we can work around you – it’s a youth programme, created by youth after all!
-
When do projects run?
Our projects will run with 3-4 planning sessions and then a 6-week social action programme out in the community.
-
How much does it cost to take part?
It is free!
-
Are sessions led by staff?
Sessions are led by staff here at the YMCA but also from partners in the community. Keep an eye out for our guest speakers!