My hope in our future has once again been nourished through witnessing the passion and commitment of young people to serve their communities. From grantees who tirelessly work to save our environment to those that use art as a positive mental health practice, the YGF celebration event in Chester Zoo is a shining example of what can happen when young people are trusted to use their lived experiences to tackle the problems closest to them.
The day started as normal. I woke up, late. I ate breakfast, furiously. And I waited, patiently while Victor packed his bag. After a brief stint of getting lost in Mya’s car on the way to Chester Zoo, we finally arrived and were greeted by bush dogs and very shy red pandas. Remell as dapper as always while Joba flapped around. Zack, of course with his signature winning smile, was one of our hosts, along with Victor, and in their hands I was confident the day would go smoothly. Andrew brought his calm and collected self. After a frantic set up period of various pieces of paper work, including a most valued Tattoo and Sticker Stand, the steering group and staff prepared themselves mentally for the celebration
I joined the steering group in Grant Round 2, I was inspired by the work that they had already done in designing a successful first round of funding and already seeing grantees shine. I knew that young people, like myself, wanted to shape the world for the people. I was convinced to apply after speaking to a former steering group member about their work. I believed that I could be part of a movement that shapes the world we live in. I wanted to prove that when young people are trusted and supported, we can make a difference. This event was to celebrate the culmination of all our work and consolidate our resolve in continuing to make a difference beyond the fund.
As grantees started filling the room, the anticipation began to dissipate and I relaxed into the easygoing conversation that comes with knowing the room you are in is filled with people who, at their core, only want what is best for their communities. It was in these moments of quiet, unreserved conversation that I found the most joy. Connection that felt truly human. In these in between spaces, in the queue for lunch or between workshops where technical difficulties are always present, I will cherish this opportunity to meet the wonderful minds behind projects that change the game.
I recall speaking with a guardian of grantee, pride in their eyes and a smile so wide from knowing their young person can make a difference. They spoke about how they believed in their young person and how they just needed a chance like YGF. Imagine what could happen if more of us were funded? Every young person deserves this.
Every young person in the room can go forward into this world having proven to themselves that they can change the material conditions of their communities for the better. They will know that when they have power, they will do the right thing for the people. It has been an honour to facilitate this step in their journey and I hope they will go forward with this spirit of tackling injustice however they can.
I have learnt countless things during my time on the steering group, from developing my communication and teamworking skills through navigating conversations about difficult decisions, to public speaking and letting my voice be heard, I have felt empowered to take up space in spaces where we are otherwise encouraged to stay silent.
Trust is the single most important thing that I have learnt and engrained into my life. From trusting myself to trusting the steering group and ultimately the grantees with their projects, through these various levels at which you must trust, I have learnt that it truly takes a community to make an impact. Moreover, this is when a project can truly flourish. When you understand that you have each others best interests at heart and are all working together to create, this is where we can make the most positive difference.
The culmination of our efforts as a steering group and grantees is representative of what happens when regular young people, who care about the people, have power. The success of the Young Gamechangers Fund is a testament to what can happen when young people are untethered from traditional power structures. We have seen how young people can flourish when they are able to pursue the causes that demand their attention and use their lived experiences and teamwork to problem solve for their communities. I hope to see them keep challenging oppressive systems and fighting for what is right. I look forward to witnessing and hopefully supporting the grantees as they go forward into this world, a world that they inhabit and a world that they have shaped.
My eternal thanks to the steering group who continue to inspire me and have been a source of friendship, far too many belly laughs and copious amounts of food; to Conor and Alisha for their patience and commitment even when we are at our most annoying, this was only possible thanks to your dedication; and finally, to the grantees for their radical and unwavering belief in themselves and their communities to be better, you are the future.
