Global Changemakers

And it’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for your weekly update on the goings-ons in Bern. We’ve all recovered from the exhausting travelling and, in Kath and Gaby’s case, from the WEF Africa in Dar es Salaam. Well, more or less recovered – Gaby’s taken to giving us looks like this one:

By now we could swear we hear the same sound effect when she does it…

So, what’s there to report?

• I’ll keep reminding everyone about this, but don’t forget the call for applications for the Latin America Youth Summit. Also don’t forget that your application is only complete once you’ve submitted a YouTube video. Make sure not to try to send it at the last moment – we won’t be able to help you if you try to submit a video on 4 June and YouTube doesn’t work… (Check here for info on the application process.)
• For those of you who have already attended earlier regional or global youth summits: towards the end of the month we’ll start a one-week call for applications for peer facilitators for the event in Rio. Keep watching this space!
• I’m looking for blog entries from readers of the website. Whether you are a community member or a Global Changemaker who has attended one of the summits, if you’ve got something to say, write it up as a Word document and send it to me. If it’s suitable, we’ll feature it on the website as part of our planned feature: Hyde Park Corner. We’re looking for blog entries not longer than 400 words, ideally with a photo or two, on themes of interest to Changemakers and likeminded people.
• Gaby’s asking me to remind you that she’ll again be on Skype (as global.changemakers) for Chat Wednesday tomorrow 14:00-16:00 GMT.
• Finally, we’ve got some more answers to the questions you’ve been asking, straight from Francesca, the Global Changemakers Director:

Q. What are the goals for the next year?
A. The goal for next year is to increase our impact and reach by: rolling out Global Changemakers in Latin America/the Caribbean, formalising and disseminating our collection of best practices, launching additional curriculum units, building our media presence, increasing our visibility at relevant, high-level events, streamlining our CAPs grant process and welcoming 600 new members into our community!  We also plan to broaden our work with partners like the World Bank and International Youth Foundation both in order to do more/be more effective and also to position ourselves in the universe of youth-focused NGOs.

Q. Are there any plans to establish events in East Asia?
A. East Asia is not one of our priority areas for this year – but don’t lose heart!  We will certainly be expanding into East Asia in the coming years…and if you know great Changemakers in the East Asia region, do encourage them to apply!

Q. Have anyone of you came from a campaigning background and what advice would you give to new young activists?
A. Having done some campaigning (and lots of NGO work, which isn’t too dissimilar), my advice would be: Never give up! You will face many roadblocks that you will have to go over, under, around or through… Believe in yourself, let your passion drive you when you are having a bad day, and surround yourself with positive people!

And that’s it from the Bern team for this week. All the best from the Global Changemakers office, where there’s much less chocolate than you’d imagine…