An essential guide for todays young leadersACTONIT!

GET INSPIRED BE THE CHANGEMAKE A DIFFERENCE

How to turn your dream project into a reality

PROJECTS TO INSPIRE

How they happened

FINDING FUNDS Surefire ways to finance your venture

GetStartedGet

Started

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

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10 1112

Setting UpYouve got a great idea but dont know how to put it into action. Heres how

Securing fundsFollow these simple steps towards finding funding for your dream project

Making a differenceEstablished youth leader Andrae Palmer explains how he got started

Be inspiredFind out what young project managers have been up to across the UK

The bigger pictureFrom Wales to Uganda, youth leadership projects are taking place around the world

Get your project connectedLooking for a potential backer? Check out our directory

You said it...Inspiring quotes from the best and brightest in todays youth leadership

Welcome toACTONIT!

ContentsA 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, youll 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. Youll 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.

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.

Enjoy!

Monomita Nag-Chowdhury Development ManagerYouth Contracts and Projects, British CouncilTel: +44 (0) 207 389 4634monomita.nagchowdhury@britishcouncil.org

ACTONIT! Editor Monomita Nag-ChowdhuryProject Manager Juan ToledoYouth Editor Andrae Palmer Ground Up DevelopmentProduction Manager Tim Blyth

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 BrazilPublished by Engage Publishing Ltd, on behalf of the British Councilwww.britishcouncil.org

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.

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)

THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

DEBATE TO ACTION

ACTONIT! serves as a showcase to projects that resulted from this unique venture.

This magazine can be downloaded at:www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth-news.htm

Setting upYou dont have to reinvent the wheel when putting a project together.

There are several proven steps you can always take

1.Plan in advanceThe 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. Its 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, youll know whats involved in order to turn your ideas into a successful project.

2.Be optimistic but realisticLike most things in life, the outcome of our actions are often determined by the attitude with which we approach them. If you dont believe in what youre doing then why should anyone else? Positivity is vital, but its 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 youre entirely realistic about your expectations, and can demonstrate the full potential of a project at the planning stage.

4 Making it Happen

Positivity is vital, but its just as important to be realistic about your objectives

3.InnovateThe 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 its up against competition. At the same time, be sure there is a real need for the project youre proposing. If it addresses a social problem, or a shortcoming in your community, the value of your proposal will be clear to all.

4.Stay focusedEstablish 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.

5.Build a budgetYou may have the worlds greatest project idea, but without the funds it just wont 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, its 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.

ACTONIT!

6.Money mattersA great idea goes nowhere without funding. Therefore, its vital you make every effort to find out whats 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.

Be sure there is a real need for the project youre proposing

So you have a burning idea... You want to put something back into the community a project that will benefit young people but you dont know where to begin.

Youre not the first person to be in this position, which is why weve drawn upon the experience of successful youth project leaders to show you how its done...

Making a

Progressing the project

My interest in becoming a youth project leader began with a journey.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.

Drive and determination From this Hidden Histories was born.

It was Ground Ups 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 communityMy background fired me up to do something positive for the people around me. Growing up, Ive 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.

CollaBorate If its a large-scale project, dont 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. Its 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.

Do your researchBefore 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 youre offering, the better youll be able to tailor your application to meet the needs of any potential backer.

Securing Funds

understand the processFunding 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.

Sell the visionApplying for funds for your project is a lot like applying for your dream job. You know its a venture that will make a difference. What matters now is convincing potential backers. Dont fill in the application straight away. Write several drafts until youre happy you have made your strongest pitch.

triple-check applicationThe 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 youve done your level best can only bring you peace of mind.

Consider your referees Most potential backers will ask for references. They want to know youre the right person for the job, which means making sure your referees wont let you down. Make sure they understand whats required right from the start. If youre in doubt that theyll deliver, choose another referee!

Youre a project leader with a plan of action. All thats missing is the money. By following these simple steps, you can be sure youre making an

application that stands up to scrutiny

Youve sold the idea.

Heres how to make the most of your momentumThe funds are ready for investment.

Andrae Palmer is the founder and director of Ground Up Development,

6 Making it Happen

a youth-led organisation based in Brixton, South London.Andrae talks to us about his experience of youth project leadership

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. Its the surest way of delivering something thats genuinely needed by the community something that can bring people together and even leave a lasting legacy.

rewards for all I was also engaged in the British

Councilss DTA Scheme during the

London pilot in 2007, This experience has contributed to a range of projects 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 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, theres 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 were 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.

there is no better reward than seeing young people utilise their skills and talents to reach their potential

andraes advice

More funding advice on page 11

ACTONIT!

difference

Be inspired young project managers have achieved some

outstanding feats of enterprise

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

this year, across England, Wales, Scotland & Northern ireland,

ACTONIT!

8 Projects

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 Actions database of 6,000 members.

Were now looking forward to a one-day conference

packed with great speakers.

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, its been an exciting and enriching

experience. Ive met progressive young

thinkers and now understand the benefit of different cultures sharing great ideas.

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.

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 Cardiffs 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 help vulnerable people

We conceived, designed and staged a play

Climate change

forced marriage HiV awareness

Cross-cultural drama

Its been an exciting

and enriching experience

We wanted to get young people to engage with sustainability issues

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 inter-

generational 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,

WHErES mY ObAmA?

CArDiff

An action research project

that aims to explore the role

of a leader in todays world

of global challenges.

Leaders Holly mae

Steane-Price

CHALLENGE YOUr

CHALLENGE

DErrY

Aimed at empowering

women from ethnic minorities

living in Derry. The project

will increase awareness of

womens rights.

Leaders marlena musialek

StEP DOWN

mANCHEStEr

MDG workshop and Q&A

with David Milliband and Sir

Alex Ferguson.

Leaders brian talabi

WOmEN iNtO

EmPOWErmENt

bELfASt

Promoting awareness of

gender equality among

women of various ages.

Leaders michaela Simpson

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

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 Omalley,

Emma rees

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

LOCAL DEmOCrACY

CArDiff

Ongoing global youth action

project that aims to develop

youth voice and active

participation mechanisms via

links with local decision-

makers/counsellors.

Leaders Paul Lewis

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

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

Its not just young people in the UK who are setting up UK projects in a bid to make a difference. Its 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.

Read here about recent projects that spanned the globe

Thanks to the British Council, Ive 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 projects HIV/Aids awareness work, I left with a stark insight as to how far behind we are by comparison.

In South Africa, everybody is

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.

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 Council-managed 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

If its funding you need then heres where to start, with a list of leading UK sources, including what theyre looking for and how to get in touch. Good luck!

Get your projectconnectedYoure a project leader with a plan of action in need of funding.

Get in touch with these potential backers and make that project happen

Projectswithout frontiers

MeetingMiliband

Nick from Scotland reveals how his desire to raise

The bigger picture

Useful linksBritish 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

ACTONIT!

BriTish CounCil

The rank foundaTion

The YouTh Bank

The PrinCes TrusT

unliMiTed

freQouT!

awards for all

VinsPired

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 4030www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth

Supports community-based projects, particularly for young homeless people. 01926 744550 www.rankfoundation.com.

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

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

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

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

Gives grants to young people and communities who develop media and technological projects, focusing its activities on deprived areas.020 7245 2861www.vitalregeneration.org/freqout

A Lottery grants scheme that funds small, local community-based projects in the UK.0845 4 10 20 30www.awardsforall.org.uk

An independent charity that supports volunteering and voluntary organisations. Aims to inspire new volunteers aged 1625.0800 089 9000www.vinspired.com

Some leaders are helping to change communities other than their own.

Foreign Secretary meets

england GhanaAmong 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.

students to discuss how HIV awareness has seen him import success

northern ireland kenyaDiscussions about agriculture, infrastructure and health. Participants in Northern Ireland discovered plenty about Kenyan community projects.

wales ugandaParticipants 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.

So, whatever your idea, its 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.

to achieve the MDGs

YouTh oPPorTuniTies 1419

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

GloBal XChanGeA 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 7500www.globalxchange.org.uk

You said it... Very quickly, I realised that I could get things done providing I was one hundred percent committed. It took up a great deal of my time, but I was determined to make it happen Andrae Palmer, Ground Up, London, EnglandThe most important part was getting young people to attend. We achieved this by using Youth Actions database of 6,000 members. As a result, we are now looking forward to a one-day conference thats packed with great speakersHussan Adam and Humaira Patel, Forced Marriages project, Blackburn, England

Its hard to imagine yourself managing a project if its something youve never done before, it helps to talk to people with the experience. Ive seen participants gain real confidence through the training in terms of team-working and communicating ideas Amy Jones, DTA Facilitator

Our day included speakers and interactive workshops from a variety of organisations - all with the aim of encouraging young people to be the change!Nathan Swain, Patricia, McMahon, Teleri Lea and Anna Guido Sustainability project, Cardiff, Wales

I am always impressed to see the diversity of experience and backgrounds that participants bring to each project Barbara Soetan, Youth Trainer

Its been an exciting and enriching experience. I now have a clear understanding of the benefit that can arise from sharing great ideas between cultures Viola Ocharo, HIV project, Northern Ireland

Set your goals, make a plan, interact and get ideas generating,

be informed, show you are somebody, show

commitment Kristen Nielson, Millenium Generation for Change