#iwill Place-based Champions are young people aged 10-25 who are passionate about social action and want to make a difference in eight communities across England; • • • • • • • • Blackpool Brighton Bristol Gloucester Ipswich Newcastle Northampton Thetford They represent the #iwill Movement and work to inspire others to get involved in social action through leadership, advocacy, and amplification of their work. The power of place is connected to the power of youth. At #iwill we are very interested in seeing how youth social action has the power to completely transform a town or city and make life better for everyone. We are working closely with a few cities across the UK where we are building a bigger network of ambassadors, champions and charter signatories to see the impacts on the city and showcase all the amazing work that is going on to the rest of the country. A little bit about the #iwill movement We are a national movement working with over 400 ambassadors, 600 champions, 400 organisations and 100 alumnis who are all acting to unlock and amplify the power of youth at a local and national level. The vision of the #iwill Movement is a society and understands and champions the power of youth, where all young people are equipped and enabled to shape and lead change in their own lives and communities. You can watch these introductory videos: o General introduction o The history of the iwill movement
• • • • Individual children and young people engaged or curious about social action (up to the age of 25 years old) A group, e.g.: a class or a youth club who have been working together on a social action initiative – like raising funds for a local cause. Young people based in one of the above eight locations. This is a development opportunity, and as such we do not have a minimum educational or work experience requirements. What is social action? • • • • Social action just means taking action which benefits other people or environment. It includes everything from volunteering to fundraising to campaigning. Social action often starts small, but you can end up having a big impact. As well as making a difference to the world around you, you can boost your own skills, wellbeing and self-confidence. It’s not up to you to save the world on your won – join together with other people and organisations. How do I get involved? If you are based in one of the above locations, and have a passion to make a positive impact in your local community, and develop your skills, then to become an #iwill Placebased Champion, follow this link and sign up: What could I gain out of being a Placebased champion? The opportunity to: • • • Access to digital resources to support your social action. Access free online training and development workshops. Work with other young people in your community and from across the UK and make new friends who share a passionate for social action.
• Take part in social media campaigns to promote your social action. Email updates about what’s happening in your community and nationally. What if I haven’t done much social action before? That’s absolutely fine! This opportunity is for anyone who has a passion and wants to build on this – anyone who truly wants to take action is welcome! Some examples of previous social action have covered topics from litter picking, hidden disabilities, trans rights, anti-bullying, bridging divides in communities, climate justice, and more. We want to hear all of your stories and passions. What is the difference between being a Place-based Champion and a Place-based Ambassador? As a Place-based Champion you can be an voice in your community for what you’re passionate about, but maybe you want to start small, or don’t have the time to attend events or are starting to learn about what you might want to do in your advocacy journey. Being a Champion means that you will receive optional training and information about social action, but that it can be done in any way that works within your life. If you are wanting to play a leadership role, attend events, and get your voice out there more, then you can sign up to be a Place-based Ambassador, where you will get more access to workshops, sitting on panels, networking, and more. If you’re not sure, then you can contact us, or you can always start as a Placebased Champion and then sign up to be a Place-based Ambassador later if you decide that’s for you. If you have any more questions, please contact iwill@ukyouth.org
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