We Interrupt This Programme?

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do".

Eleanor Roosevelt

It was supposed to be a catch up call with an entrepreneur who has inspired me for several years. Within half an hour, Jack Graham (the founder of Year Here) and I were listing some of the incredible leadership programmes which support the UK's brightest talent, and agreeing that it would be helpful to connect them the following week, on an initial video call. To share challenges, solutions and ideas.

When wondering how to be useful, I often return to two simple words from E.M. Forster;

"Only connect!"

So connect we did, and I was reminded of the sheer breadth and variety of organisations that we are lucky to have in this country, many of whom must now rise to challenges of their own.

In case it's helpful, here is a selection of those programmes, which I list in case you may wish to support them, share them, or perhaps even join them.

The Lived Experience Movement is a collective impact network connecting, supporting and strengthening the capacity of Lived Experience Leaders to help all our communities thrive.

Acumen Academy describes itself as the world's school for social change, inviting you to join a movement of leaders breaking boundaries to build a better future.

Teach First is a charity that develops and supports teachers and leaders who are determined to make a difference where it's needed the most.

Hatch provides community-based entrepreneurship programmes to emerging entrepreneurs, through an eco-system of support that includes the provision of knowledge, mentorship and workspace.

Zinc brings together the brightest minds to build and scale a brand new way to solve the most important societal problems faced by the developed world. 

The Fair Education Alliance is a coalition of over 160 organisations working to end educational inequality.

Year Here is a platform for professionals to test and build entrepreneurial responses to inequality.

A Million Realities wants people across the world to live purposeful, fulfilling lives that are fully self-expressed and have created a comprehensive, two-year fellowship programme designed to bring together, champion and support bold and bright individuals.

Clore Social Leadership develops leaders with a social purpose so that they can transform their communities, organisations and the world around them.

The Centre for Entrepreneurs supports the entrepreneurial doers and makers who change lives and grow Britain. Their NEF Fast Track programme is an intensive 12-month experience that puts the practical application of new skills and knowledge at its core.

Ashoka builds and cultivates a community of change leaders who see that the world now requires everyone to be a changemaker. Together, they collaborate to transform institutions and cultures worldwide so they support changemaking for the good of society.

Koreo is a talent consultancy dedicated to social impact. They mobilise people, organisations and networks to address the defining issues of our time.

UK Community Foundations is a national network of community foundations, bringing together people and organisations that want to improve their communities.

The Young Foundation's mission is to develop better connected and more sustainable communities across the UK. They have a long track record incubating over 80 new organisations including: Which? The Open University, Language Line, Social Innovation Exchange, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Uprising and Action for Happiness and they continue to offer incubation support, plus office and back office support, to early-stage, innovative organisations that share our mission.

The Marketing Academy is a non-profit organisation developing leadership capability in talented marketers (in the UK, US and Australia) from the Marketing, Advertising and Communications industries through mentoring, coaching and immersive learning.

RockCorps is a pro-social marketing and entertainment company that uses music and culture to inspire action.

The School for Social Entrepreneurs equips people to transform their communities and improve the lives of others. They help 1,000 people a year develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems.

On Purpose works with inspiring professionals and help them get stuck in to become leaders who harness the power of business for good. On their Associate Programme. you learn on the job, doing real work in purpose-driven organisations while at the same time going through an intensive learning and development programme.

TERN is enabling refugees to thrive through the power of their own ideas. They support refugee entrepreneurs in the creation and development of their businesses, providing services throughout three stages of entrepreneurial process: business exploration, business start-up and business growth.

Hearing how these extraordinary organisations are responding to the challenges of Covid-19, I was struck by their passion and commitment, their potential and desire to support each other, and their willingness to share solutions.

Perhaps you've seen something listed above which has caught your imagination. Please consider supporting them. In addition to funding, many are seeking mentors and new applicants.

We interrupt this programme? Not if these brilliant organisations can help it.

"I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?" Benjamin Disraeli