We think this page will provide you with all you need to know before embarking on a Bring About Change project, but if you have any more questions, just get in touch.
How do I sign up?
Head to the Bring About Change homepage to sign up via our registration form.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a 12 month online licence is currently £149 for one organisation and up to 3 educators. If you are the lead of an academy chain and interested in registering more than one school site for the programme get in touch.
What’s included in the online package?
The Bring About Change online package includes
- a 12 month licence to deliver the Bring About Change programme
- access to self-directed teacher training lasting 2 hours and covering topics such as how to facilitate youth-led projects
- downloadable activities, example timetables and worksheets
- other resources to help you deliver a quality community action project with your young people
What age group is this programme aimed at?
This programme is aimed at young people aged 11+. During the pilot we had a group working with university aged students – and another working with KS3 special needs. It’s designed to be very flexible.
What topics can my young people choose for their project?
What are they passionate about? During the pilot, groups focused on issues in community spaces, as we were fortunate to be given a grant by the Co-op Foundation #iwill Fund to look at that area, but your young people might decide they’re interested in tackling homelessness, or knife crime, or period poverty, or climate change. Whatever their passion, the Bring About Change framework is flexible enough to be used to support their project.
How long does a project have to last?
How long is a piece of string? It depends on the time you have available, and what your young people want to do. One school may choose to organise a one-off high profile litter pick, while another sets up an ongoing recycling campaign.
I like the idea, but I don’t have any space in my curriculum.
That’s fine! Some of our pilot groups used the programme as part of an after school club, and others delivered as a one off drop down day. We’ve produced example timetables for each of these scenarios, and also for those educators delivering during curriculum time such as a term of PSHE or Active Citizenship.
How many young people should I be working with?
The number of young people involved in your Bring About Change programme will depend on your setting and preferences. During the pilot we had one school working with 180 students – and another working with just five…
If this is a new programme, how do you know it works?
Young Citizens is the expert in social action. We’ve been running the Make a Difference Challenge for primary aged children for more than 13 years. We deliver online and face to face training for educators in social action, and have a long history of being involved in networks such as the #iwill campaign. We have also have received nominations and awards for our work in this area.
Additionally, Bring About Change has been piloted with 12 organisations including youth and community groups, secondary schools (state and private) and a university, and in a variety of settings including after school clubs, during curriculum time, and as a drop down off timetable day. Pilot groups have tried and tested the materials, given feedback from their different perspectives, and this feedback has been incorporated into the programme in order to make it accessible and relevant to all.
Can I access more support?
As part of the Young Citizens social action network of schools and organisations delivering community action with children and young people you will be invited to occasional webinars and panel events. We have a Facebook group called ‘Young Citizens Community Action’ which you are encouraged to join. You also have access to email and phone support from the Young Citizens team.