connection
SOME THOUGHTS...
A WORD FROM AN ACTIVATOR...
Creating Connections! Activism: the lifeblood of any nation. This is what keeps the powers that be accountable to the ordinary citizen at all times. Activate! for me has been an avenue where one can not only explore new ways of thinking but also make connections with other like-minded young people. The challenge I have come across is how do we maintain the energy of the training venue in our own little spaces? Here are a couple of thoughts on keeping those connections going.
THE GROUP
BEYOND WORDS
The coolest thing about our “work”
Implementing
is the fact that there are other young
much harder than having a “chat”
our
people interested in making change.
about it. There is a lot of value in
who are passionate about driving
Have you ever thought of coming
having people to assist with such
change. This can only be achieved
together into one space? This gives
projects and pooling our human
once we include young people
you an opportunity to share your
resources. This ensures that each
who have not been exposed to
challenges and ideas with like-
and every Activator in and round
the program, but who share our
minded people who can contribute
your community plays a role and
passion.
positively to your work.
those in need of help (implementing
people will be a challenge, but hey,
their projects) are assisted.
that’s how you build a mass, by
a
project
idea
MOBILISING OTHERS is
Our goal (as Activators) is to build network
of
Finding
young
these
people
young
mobilising. Creating this network now will make it much easier for you when you need the buy-in of others at a later stage.
You don’t know of any Activators in and around your community? First stop is http://activateleadership.co.za/users. It is one way of connecting with your fellow Activators. Once you are registered on the junction, you can use an application that gives you the exact location of every Activator in your community. This tool also gives us an idea of which areas in our country have not been “activated”. After all, it is our responsibility to ensure that every young person around the country has access to the wealth of knowledge and resources that we possess. “Each one, teach one”! Remember, there is a need for us to build and sustain the momentum of the work we do. It will not always be easy, but that is why we are a cohort of young change makers.
Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana Year 2 Activator
KZN Node
SOME IDEAS TO GET GOING...
connection
START WITH THE BASICS Perhaps ask yourself:
why?
What is it that you want to share with this group? Is it an idea, your thoughts, or a general discussion with like-minded people? Is it to pool resources for projects?
where?
Do the young people in your community have a space that they can call ‘theirs’? If not, why not? More importantly, how can we change that? In the meantime: Where can we gather as Activators? From city hubs to deep rural, there are civic spaces that can be used, however basic they may be. An education centre or libraries are just two examples. It’s really important to identify a place with internet connectivity so those who don’t have connection at home or in their work space can log in to the Junction, map themselves if they haven’t already and use the time to browse for relevant information.
who?
Have you identified people who will benefit from, and contribute to, the connection hub? It is a place of sharing. How can you spread the word and encourage everyone to arrive at the hub prepared for the discussions and plans? If you feel a facilitator is neccessary, have you chosen one?
what?
What is on the agenda? What are you going to discuss? Will you have a list of outcomes and practical plans when you are done discussing?
And then … Should we spread the word? Part of our quest as young people is to make our voices heard in the public realm. How can we do that? Have you engaged your local media? What message are we sending them? Getting support! We are a network of Activators, but we are also supported by Activate! the organisation. Are we keeping our training teams or management informed on our progress and connection? This keeps them in the loop of our progress, but also highlights where support is most needed. Who should write the report?
connection IT HELPS TO SET UP A CHECKLIST:
Purpose of connection hub (why)
Venue (where)
Participants and facilitator (who)
Agenda (what)
Media plans (spreading the word)
Report plans (getting support from the organisation)