Empowering Youth: Big Change's Journey to Centering Youth Voice and Agency

Introduction:

For me, Big Change is an organisation that empowers young people to create lasting positive change in society. As an organisation, Big Change is dedicated to transforming education and supporting young people. So in Summer 2021, Big Change embarked on a transformative journey to ensure that youth voice and agency were at the heart of everything they did. In this article, I talk about my role as a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) lead facilitator. I explore the establishment of the YAG and how it has become a platform for young people to shape the organisation's direction and initiatives.

The Power of Youth Voice:

Recognising the invaluable perspectives, insights, and experiences that young people possess, Big Change embarked on a mission to actively involve them in decision-making processes, empowering them to become changemakers in their own right. Establishing the YAG was a pivotal step in ensuring that the youth voice was not only acknowledged but also valued and acted upon. When I joined Big Change, my primary objective was to place the youth voice and agency at the heart of the organisation. Working alongside Eloise Haylor , the Head of Global Alliances & Big Education Conversation, we wasted no time in initiating a recruitment drive for the YAG. Our aim was to select four individuals aged 14-24 who would join our newly formed group. Throughout the summer of 2021, we conducted interviews and were astounded by the exceptional quality of young people who had applied to join the YAG. The diversity and inclusion aspect held significant importance for me. I strongly believe in embracing the unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths that young people from different backgrounds bring to the table. It was our vision to foster an inclusive environment where everyone would feel heard and respected.

Creating the Youth Advisory Group (YAG):?

The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) was established to create a space where young people could actively participate in Big Change's strategic planning and decision-making. We conducted outreach efforts in youth organisations and community networks to ensure a diverse group of enthusiastic and committed young individuals who shared our vision for transforming education. After a thorough recruitment process, the YAG was formed, consisting of Aminah Haider , Amirah Harvey-Head , Emily Mandry, and Lisa E. , each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.

Driving Change through Collaboration:?

The Youth Advisory Group acted as a bridge between Big Change and the wider youth community. Through regular meetings, workshops, and online platforms, they fostered collaboration and open dialogue. This exchange of ideas and experiences has helped Big Change gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by young people and enabled the organisation to develop targeted solutions that address these.

Amplifying Youth Voice Beyond Big Change:?

In order to emphasise the significance of amplifying the voices of young people beyond the scope of Big Change, we actively assisted and motivated members of the YAG to engage with various other platforms and networks. The YAG spoke with Eugene Dapper from The Foundation for Education Development during one of its monthly meetings. The YAG has also supported Big Change in assessing our recent ￡1m prize fund for the Big Education Challenge. Additionally, we created opportunities for them to speak and actively participate, such as at the Big Change at 10 celebration evening where they shared their valuable insights during our Big Education Conversation. We also utilised social media as a means to showcase their perspectives. These efforts not only empowered the young people in the YAG but also raised awareness about the influential nature of youth voices.

Measuring Success and Lessons Learned:?

As we continued on our journey, we recognised the significance of assessing the impact and effectiveness of our endeavors. We regularly sought feedback from our YAG members to ensure that their experiences were positive and meaningful. The process of evaluation and learning allowed us to refine our approach and maintain the central focus on youth voice within Big Change. For me, success can be defined by the words of one YAG member who stated,

Big Change/YAG has provided me with numerous opportunities to engage in other projects and venture into the larger world, opening doors to new possibilities.

Furthermore, YAG members have transitioned into new roles as Youth Associates, serving as associate consultants who contribute to the Big Education Conversation and other initiatives. The geographical diversity of the YAG members, hailing from Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, and Nottingham, adds a valuable perspective that encompasses England as a whole.

Conclusion:?

Empowering young people and centering their voice and agency is not just a goal for Big Change; it is a fundamental principle that guides their work. Through the establishment of the Youth Advisory Group, I’m confident that we created an avenue for young leaders to shape Big Change and drive positive change in education. I firmly believe that by valuing and acting upon youth perspectives, we can create a future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive and make a difference.