EY Foundation’s Post

"AUTHENTIC" COLLABORATION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE Becky Grant, who participated in a national training I facilitated nearly two decades ago, shared her recent paper that gives me undue credit but I certainly appreciate it. Here's one excerpt from her essay. "I learned and applied many lessons about the importance of providing authentic experiences for teens. Unfortunately, what typically happens is groups of adults make decisions and talk about or to them, vs. wholly involving them in an authentic way. Mary, a student from Cambridge Latin School, bravely pointed this out with her question about the lack of youth on the panel in the Askwith Forum on Youth as Changemakers. A more meaningful forum might have had equal representation of teens. In many community and larger advocacy organizations, this tends to be a particularly prevalent issue when a program or strategy is already predetermined. Often a coalition or agency wants to include youth (or other disparate populations), yet the strategies have already been laid out without the engagement of the people they are meant to address."

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a training on Media Messaging for Racial Justice Advocates, organized by European Network Against Racism Aisbl (ENAR) Representing the Center for Migration, Gender, and Justice, I found myself reflecting on the vital role that civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in shaping narratives. In today’s world, it often feels like the spaces we occupy are shrinking. As advocates, we must actively push against that tendency. This training reminded me just how crucial it is for us to breach those spaces where our voices are often sidelined. We have a responsibility to shift the narrative and fight for justice, and that requires us to be strategic about how we communicate. The sessions were eye-opening. We explored the media’s influence on public perception, learned how to craft compelling narratives, and delved into effective crisis communication. All of which are essential skills for anyone serious about advocacy. Our stories hold power. They connect us to the communities we serve and illuminate the issues that matter most. However, it’s important to acknowledge the barriers that many CSOs and NGOs face in accessing these critical advocacy spaces. We often operate in environments where our work goes unnoticed or undervalued. Yet, it’s precisely in these moments of struggle that we must come together, share our knowledge, and amplify our voices. The insights I gained from this training will be invaluable as we move forward at the Center for Migration, Gender, and Justice. By applying these strategies, we can ensure our messages reach further and have a greater impact, helping to challenge systemic injustices and strive for a more equitable society. As we continue on this journey, let’s commit to processes of co-creation; learning from each other and breaking down barriers together. In the hopes of creating a world where everyone’s voice matters and justice is not just a goal, but a reality. #RacialJustice #MediaMessaging #Advocacy #MigrationGenderJustice

indeed we need people oriented solutions to bring about sustainable change

The League of Young Civic Educators can address structural inequalities through several strategic approaches: 1.Advocacy and Awareness: Educate young people about the impact of structural inequalities and advocate for policy changes that address these disparities. 2.Empowerment through Education: Provide training and resources to help young people understand and navigate structural inequalities, enhancing their ability to advocate for themselves and others. 3.Inclusive Participation: Ensure that all voices, particularly from marginalized communities, are included in civic dialogues and decision-making processes. 4.Partnerships and Collaboration: Work with other organizations, government bodies, and community groups to create and support initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities. 5.Research and Data Collection: Conduct research to identify the root causes of structural inequalities and use data to inform and shape advocacy efforts. 6.Capacity Building: Strengthen the skills and knowledge of young leaders to effectively challenge and address structural inequities in their communities.

Happy World Children’s Day! Today, we celebrate the bright futures of children around the globe and reaffirm our commitment to their rights and well-being. Did you know: Established in 1954: World Children’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing and protecting our youngest citizens. Significant Dates: November 20th marks two important milestones: - 1959: The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. - 1989: The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. World Children’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action.  It inspires us to advocate for children’s rights, promote awareness, and engage in meaningful conversations that pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s work together to create a world where every child has access to education, healthcare, and the love and support they deserve. Let’s keep striving together for our children—the leaders of tomorrow! #WorldChildrensDay #ChildrensRights #FutureLeaders #Changemakers 

🌍✨ Empowering Communities: The Role of Social Justice and Education ✨🌍 Social justice and education are critical for uplifting marginalized communities. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity, we can transform lives. In my latest blog post, I explore the impact of educational equity, the challenges faced, and effective strategies for promoting fairness and inclusion. ⚖️ Learn how initiatives like Harlem Children's Zone drive positive change and discover strategies for creating a more equitable society. 🔗 Share to spread awareness! #SocialJustice #EducationalEquity #CommunityEmpowerment #Inclusion "Empowering Communities: The Role of Social Justice and Education." kaisglobalinsights.org

Expand Your Network: Follow Thought Leaders to Stay Inspired and Informed Building a strong network is essential in the social impact space. One of the best ways to stay inspired and informed is by following thought leaders who are making significant strides in your areas of interest. Why Follow Thought Leaders? Thought leaders provide valuable insights, share innovative ideas, and offer guidance based on their experiences. By staying connected with these influential voices, you can keep up with the latest trends, gain inspiration, and learn from their successes and challenges. Examples of people doing amazing things in their niches: - Aramide Kayode- An advocate for education. Aramide’s work focuses on improving educational outcomes and access for underserved communities. - Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi – A leader in social enterprises. Tolu’s insights into building and scaling social enterprises can provide you with practical advice and inspiration. - Seun Olagunju-Lana – A champion for Education for SDGs. Seun’s expertise in aligning educational practices with Sustainable Development Goals offers a comprehensive view of education’s role in global development. - Olabisi Afolabi– A leader in safeguarding and child protection. Olabisi’s work helps ensure that children are protected and their rights are upheld. -Solape Sonuga- A leader in policy development and strategic partnership management. She’s also the current Director of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), empowering the next generation of public servants. - Oluwaseun Kolawole (AICMC)- An advocate for Peace Education and Safe Advocacy. Seun’s focus on peace education and advocacy provides valuable perspectives on promoting and maintaining peace. -Allwell Akhigbe, MBA- An expert in the fundraising space. Your Next Step: Follow these thought leaders on social media, subscribe to their newsletters, and engage with their content. Their insights will keep you informed about the latest developments in the field and inspire you to contribute your own ideas and solutions. By expanding your network and learning from those who are leading the way, you’ll enhance your knowledge and be better equipped to make a meaningful impact in the social impact space. 🌍✨ #ThePeaceShaper #SocialImpact #ThoughtLeaders #ExpandYourNetwork #Inspiration #ChangeMakers

📢Making informed decisions is a process that depends on accessing information that is accurate, timely, reliable, and complete. However, in a polarized environment, achieving completeness and upholding information integrity can be challenging. During a two-day civic education outreach program for young women and hearing-impaired participants recently conducted by Community Podium, facilitator Lifaqane Nare stressed the importance of engaging with diverse sources of information. She explained that this approach helps participants form a well-rounded understanding, empowering them to make informed decisions. #communitydiaries #informationintegrity

Political advocacy is a transformative tool to ensure equitable education for marginalized communities, paving the way for a fairer and more inclusive future. Here's how: ➡️ Increased funding: Advocacy influences government budgets to prioritize educational programs that directly address disparities, leading to measurable improvements in access and quality. ➡️ Inclusive policies: Supporting policies that embrace diversity and challenge systemic discrimination creates opportunities for historically excluded groups to thrive. ➡️ Strategic alliances: Partnering with organizations that share the vision amplifies efforts, enabling a more coordinated approach to dismantling educational barriers. Research by the National Education Policy Center confirms that states with robust advocacy efforts see higher educational attainment among minority groups. At Aldaba Foundation, we empower community leaders with the tools and knowledge to advocate for impactful and inclusive change. Together, we can build an education system that uplifts every individual. What ideas or experiences can you share to help drive this mission forward? #EducationalEquity #AdvocacyForChange #InclusiveEducation #CommunityEmpowerment

One of the slices of A Bolder Way Forward I appreciate is the focus on all communities statewide and creating "What Can I Do?" idea sheets to bolster engagement. As an advocate for rural communities, this excites me! The goal is to identify those barriers and determine strategies and initiatives that local leaders and residents can implement to address the unique challenges in each community. Take a look at the recently released think tank results from #JuabCountyUtah. https://lnkd.in/ggfFKk4c