Shifting Power begins here
Kuzuzangpola! I’m Rigsar from Bhutan (which you probably heard of as the first carbon-negative country or as the country with a Gross National Happiness (GNH) index). I’ve had the privilege of working with some of you over the past 2 years; but even if we haven’t met, I’ve been cheering your campaigns from behind the scene.
HOW EXCITING IT HAS BEEN TO BE SURROUNDED BY SUCH OPTIMISM, ENERGY AND CREATIVITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE!
SO WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT SHIFTING POWER NOW?
Actually, this conversation has been ongoing for some years and continues to gain importance (as reflected in SCI’s 2022-2024 Strategy) as we move forward. From the SHIFT standpoint, we believe that we have reached a critical threshold:
As we continue to work with and learn from accelerating child and youth-led groups in over 20 countries globally, we are beginning to generate insights into the critical factors that enable impactful campaigns. It would be a shame if we kept this to ourselves; actually, we probably couldn’t, even if we tried.
WHAT’S UP WITH THE LOGO? WHY PIZZA? WHY SEVEN SLICES?
Firstly, pizza because who doesn’t like pizza? There are endless ways to customise pizza centred around a few key ingredients - much like SHIFT - and make it so anyone can enjoy it. We have seen this in action with Shifters and our awesome Fun Adults in 3 continents so far.
Secondly, seven, because we believe that for us to meaningfully shift power to young campaigners, there are seven key dimensions (dare I say slices?). And it’s not us that’s saying this. It’s our organisation. We are only doing what we do best at SHIFT: make it child-friendly and show it in action.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
The content for Shifting Power has been prompted based on findings from a survey circulated to Shifters and Fun Adults in 2023 where we asked what the main barriers to empowering young people were.
Here are some of the most cited responses from a total of 152:
“PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS WITH POWER STILL DON’T FULLY TRUST US.”
…so, how can organisations shift society, culture and child-unfriendly bureaucratic practices, so that true partnerships can be fostered?
“AS A FUN ADULT, I AM NOT ENTIRELY SURE HOW AND WHAT ASPECT OF POWER TO TRANSFER TO THE SHIFTERS.”
“MOST YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EITHER UNWILLING TO TAKE UP LEADERSHIP ROLES; THEY ALSO LACK THE SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE TO COME FORWARD.”
How can we build the capacity of adults working with young people so that they can guide and empower young people?
“I AM NOT SURE HOW TO BALANCE THE OPINION OF ALL MY PEERS SO THAT EVERYONE FEELS INCLUDED.”
How can we be intentional in the space we create for young people so that they are able to, and value diversity?
Shifting Power will also disseminate insights and lessons into cutting-edge approaches on other dimensions of funding, partnerships, visibility and policy influence. In short, we will provide you with the knowledge, practical skills and lessons to help you in your goal of shifting power to young people - which will ultimately generate locally owned, sustainable and meaningful impact.
OKAY, I LIKE WHERE THIS IS GOING.
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