Source: http://www.iyfnet.org/
International Youth Foundation (IYF) has announced its 2011 YouthActionNet global fellows that are 21 in number and come from 16 countries. These fellows will take part in weeklong event in Mexico City from October 1-7, where they will be honoured at an awards ceremony. At IYF, the fellows benefit from a yearlong program that includes leadership development, skill-building, networking, and advocacy opportunities. This program is supported by the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation.
Each of these young leaders has innovative strategies to address the global challenges like climate change, religious extremism, the integration of immigrant populations, and children orphaned by war. Usually these challenges seem to be too daunting for any one individual or group to tackle but that is not the case for IYF’s 2011 YouthActionNet® Fellows.
YouthActionNet is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is building one of the world’s largest networks of locally active – and globally connected – young social innovators. Today this network comprises nearly 550 young change-makers in 60 countries.
About YouthActionNet
YouthActionNet is the flagship of the International Youth Foundation’s Citizenship programs. The initiative supports young community leaders through skill-building, as well as providing access to networks, resources, and advocacy opportunities. YouthActionNet® receives generous support from the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation, which sponsors its Global Fellowship program and national programs through the Laureate International Universities Network.
The program operates at three levels:
Globally — the YouthActionNet Global Fellowship supports 20 young social entrepreneurs annually. Participants in the yearlong program refine their leadership skills, collaborate across national boundaries, and advocate for their causes at the global level. They also gain access to grant opportunities.
Locally — YouthActionNet works in partnerships with universities and nonprofit institutions within individual countries, where its global model is adapted within the local context.
Virtually— Through its website and social media outreach, YouthActionNet provides young leaders around the globe with a virtual platform through which they gain access to resources, strengthen their skills, expand networks, and advocates for their causes.
