Posts Tagged “Opportunity”

That’s why organisations like CHANGEit are aiming to share good stories about youth, and better yet, support them in speaking for themselves and taking action on the things they’re passionate about.  The other day we learned about another great project that’s aiming to help young people speak out through their writing – My Voice: Write or Wrong?

My Voice is a bursary scheme that wants to help 13 to 19 year old writers develop their skills.  They are awarding nine bursaries to young people who are passionate and committed to developing their writing, can write in a variety of styles including poetry, fiction, journalism and plays and can demonstrate through their writing an ability to look at the issues of our time (Example: contemporary life for young people; freedom of expression; preventing violent extremism or young people in the media)

Bursary winners will be mentored by professional writers, have a chance to share their own writing to a large audience, receive book tokens and work with local libraries to help select great books for young people. 

If you’re a young writer or know a young person who fits the bill, tell them about this terrific opportunity.  More information can be found on the My Voice: Write or Wrong? website.  The deadline for applications is 5 October 2009 so get writing!

Did you know the average age of an appointee to a national board is between 55 and 65? Hardly representative of the general public!  That’s why Common Purpose and the Anchor Trust are running the new About Time campaign.  About time aims to increase the numbers and diversity of those applying for an holding public appointments, by overcoming the barriers that get in the way of participation. Effective boards need more and more people to get involved, with different backgrounds, experiences and opinions. Why should the decisions that affect everyone be made by people who don’t remember what it’s like to be a young person?

If you are already active in your local communities – perhaps as a student representative, or a trustee of a local charity, or on your local residents association committee, the About Time programme can help you consider your next steps in your public life career. The programme is specially designed to help with the transition from local appointment, to a regional or national one.  You’ll be introduced to senior board members, the principles of good governance and their practical application, and have an opportunity to reflect on your own strengths and motivations to make sure you can make the best contribution to public life. The programme is also a great development opportunity, with skills workshops to ensure you’re a more effective board member, and advice and help on the application process and techniques.

Placements on the training sessions are fully funded by the Anchor Trust.  For more information, or to download an application form visit the About Time website.  

There are still a few places left for the first programme on 12 & 13 November 2009, but be quick!

It really is incredible what young people are capable of. And though in this recession nearly 45% of those made unemployed are under the age of 25, there are still so many opportunities available!

Rajeeb Dey was a finalist in the 2004 Spotlight awards (the awards Common Purpose and Deutsche Bank ran just before we started CHANGEit in 2008). Later, he went on to found ESSA, the English Secondary Students’ Association, an organisation that works to give young people a voice. And more recently, he’s been working on Enternships.com, fantastic new way of connecting new enterprising organisations, with bright young talent.

Enternships.com gives students and graduates the opportunity to build employability skills by working with the world’s most cutting edge entrepreneurs and start-ups. Every corporate values entrepreneurial work experience on candidates CVs, while some of the most talented and creative minds have ultimately chosen the entrepreneurial route. Whether you want to learn how to be the next Steve Jobs or Richard Branson, or simply have a CV that stands out from the rest – check out Enternships. You never know what opportunities might be available!

Just goes to show you how young people can make a difference, Raj has been doing it for years, and you can do it too (perhaps with a bit of help from ESSA, Enternships or CHANGEit!)