6 Lessons from Young Leaders: Insights for Shaping the Future

In the quest to strengthen young leaders, scoping research has been conducted among 200 individuals across Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Czechia. A partnership of Ashoka, Save the Children and Humanitarian Leadership Academy came together to develop a program titled "Youth Leaders for Emerging Future" that addresses the conclusions from the conducted interviews.

The insights can be combined into main thematic groups:

1. Need for True Participation: Young leaders often encounter approaches where their involvement is merely symbolic. There's a call for genuine engagement and inclusion in decision-making processes rather than being sidelined.
2. Pressing Workload: Young changemakers juggle multiple responsibilities including education, work, and social activism. Understanding from the society, especially older generations, is crucial to address this and give support.
3. Financial Challenges: The assumption that young people should work for free hinders their ability to sustain themselves financially while engaging in changemaking activities. Creating opportunities for paid roles and financial support for emerging youth initiatives is essential.
4. Burnout and Mental Health Struggles: The relentless pursuit of creating positive change can lead to burnout and mental health issues among young leaders. Support systems and strategies for self-care are necessary to maintain their well-being.
5. Collaboration and Skill Development: Young changemakers often lack guidance on collaboration, project management, and team leadership. Providing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to learn from experienced individuals can bridge this gap.
6. Need for a Changemaker Community: Feeling isolated and lacking a support network can slow down the progress of young changemakers. Building a supportive community where they can connect, share experiences, and seek advice is vital for their growth and resilience.

Understanding these challenges should help organizations and individuals to be more supportive towards youth initiatives. Decreasing the pressure of expectations and increasing appreciation seems like a good way for improving intergenerational cooperation. By providing platforms for connection and collaboration, we aim to boost the resilience and impact of young leaders.

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