Young People Talk Truth to Power

The Manifesto amplifies young voices across the UK, connecting them with industry professionals and decision-makers to foster inclusivity and collaboration. The project empowers young people by providing a platform for their unique perspectives, facilitating meaningful interactions to address concerns and find solutions within their communities.

Three Students working around a glass table

The Manifesto Objectives

  • Develop and deliver engaging workshops that enhances participants' skills in presentation, team-building, negotiation, public speaking, and self-advocacy, delivered by skilled facilitators.
  • Engage 100-200 young people from diverse backgrounds, collaborating with at least 6 learning providers across the country to ensure broad geographic representation and participation.
  • Facilitate collaborative sessions to develop a Young People's ‘manifesto' that encapsulates the shared hopes, interests, and concerns of young people.
  • Establish a cohesive group of Youth Advocates who are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to champion their call to action.
  • Organise a ‘meet the decision-makers' event where Youth Advocates present their declaration of proposed actions promoting youth empowerment.

I joined the organisation out of respect for its work, which I saw first-hand long before joining the team. For years, I was struck by the excellence of its programmes and the commitment of the team to explore opportunities for young people within the creative industries - Paul Reid, Director

The Manifesto ProcessThe Process The Manifesto

The Key Components

  • Staff Time: We'll be dedicating significant time to preparation.
  • Logistics and Planning: Careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Workshop Content: Creating engaging and informative material.
  • Facilitation: Expert guidance throughout the workshops.
  • Evaluation Template: Measuring our success and areas for improvement.

The Opportunities:

  • Presentation: Learn how to effectively share your ideas.
  • Team Building: Develop strong collaborative skills.
  • Negotiation: Master the art of negotiation.
  • Public Speaking: Gain confidence in speaking to an audience.
  • Self-Advocacy: Learn to advocate for yourself and your peers.
  • Collaboration: Work effectively with others.
  • Critical Thinking: Enhance your ability to think critically and solve problems.
  • Writing and Articulation: Improve your writing skills and ability to express ideas clearly.
  • Empathy and Understanding: Foster a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for others.
  • Leadership: Develop strong leadership qualities.

The Outputs

  • Engagement: 100-200 young people participating actively.
  • Diverse Locations: Workshops held in at least 3 different locations.
  • National Reach: Collaboration with 6 learning providers from across the country.
  • Youth Manifesto: Creation of a manifesto by young people, for young people.
  • Youth Advocates: Formation of a dedicated group of youth advocates.
  • Meet the Decision-Makers Event: An opportunity for young people to engage with key decision-makers.
  • Evaluation Report: A comprehensive report summarizing our findings and achievements.

Join us in making a difference

At Ideas Foundation (IF), we’re launching an exciting new project in Manchester, Birmingham, and London. Here’s what you need to know:

We’re starting with a local focus in Manchester, Birmingham, and London, collaborating with partners to schedule engaging, curriculum-aligned workshops in PSHE, English, and Art and Design. Our goal is to ensure young people are involved and their voices are heard.

Through these workshops, young people will share their interests, issues, and concerns affecting themselves, their communities, and the wider world. We’ll help them identify their priorities and develop actionable recommendations and solutions. The process includes nominating representatives from each location who will gather to refine their top priorities into a concise list of ten.

The culmination of this effort is the creation of a Youth Manifesto, reflecting the democratic decisions of young people on issues that matter most to them. This manifesto will be presented to brands, companies, and influential individuals, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

We’ll keep everyone informed throughout the project and invite industry professionals and decision-makers to sessions where young people will present their ideas. Connect with us and join us in making a difference and empowering the next generation!

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