Let Young People Shape our Post-Brexit Future
I am so privileged to work for a grant giving foundation, to hear about inspiring work with young people, to meet those dedicated to making a difference and to take part in conversations about possibilities. Conversations that explore how we could all work differently, how we can break down barriers, how we can influence for change and how we can find common ground.
One of these conversations happened early in July, and was incredible!
What if millions of young people could have their say about what’s important to them in the future of our country? What if this was framed positively, encouraging conversations about the possibility of the future, about identifying what young people have in common? And what if, as a result, these views could be represented at the table, in the corridors of power, influencing decision makers?
Undivided is an entirely youth led campaign aimed at getting the best possible Brexit deal for young people and to force lasting change. The campaign will crowd source the demands of 1 million young people nationally, with the top ten constructive, positive and inspiring youth led demands to be taken to the negotiating table in the coming months. Highly engaged with digital culture yet firmly grounded in the ‘real’ world, Undivided aims to reach every corner, culture and cul-de-sac of the U.K. through targeted digital media and localised real world events.
Conceived by a group of 30 young people the week after the EU referendum and developed by many more young voices from all sides of the debate since, the campaign aims to co-create a vision of a UK in keeping with the depth, difference and diversity of their generation that overcomes the perception of division they don’t believe represents them. Partnering with organisations working with young people and aiming to add value and collaborate, the campaign aims to have as much reach and impact as possible. It officially launched on 26 October and has activity, content and events rolling until the new year.
Leading the campaign are Joe, Hafsah and Charlotte, who represent all sides of the political spectrum from north to south and can speak on behalf of all those who did or didn’t vote, or have or haven’t been politically involved before. Meeting these three young people, from a diverse cross section of society, working with each other so respectfully despite obvious political differences and backgrounds was extraordinary.
Undivided is an immediate response but is located in a longer term plan to maximise youth voice, mobilise young people, build and strengthen coalitions, engage, support and empower passionate young people to press for change and to influence and shape a shared and positive future. Work that Paul Hamlyn Foundation has been supporting for years and which, as I’ve said, I’m privileged to be part of.
Alongside the young people of Undivided, we will all play a role in making this is a success; lending our support and encouraging other individuals and organisations to do the same. Together we hope to amplify the influence of the campaign so it reaches as many young people as possible in the coming months. Once again, young people are inspiring with their powerful example of collaboration across political and cultural differences. I hope you can see the potential, share my enthusiasm and join in!
www.weareundivided.co.uk
@weareundivided
#WeDemand
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