The international model of the Youth Bank of Initiatives (YBI) is first and foremost a story of young people: how they see their communities, what they understand by the key issues they face, how they think they should be addressed, and what they can do to effectively influence positive change in their communities.
If the Foundation activates the community and unites its efforts/resources to address urgent needs, the YBI does so by focusing on the youth of the community. This is a team of young people who are grantees for other young people in the community.
How does it work?
1. The network selects coordinators from all over Ukraine
2. The coordinator forms a team of the Youth Bank of Initiatives from active youth in the community
3. The YBI team distributes roles in the team, determines priorities in the work and immediate goals
4. YBI team researches the needs of young people in their community
5. Prioritize the needs
6. Attract funds (grant competition from philanthropists, donations, fundraising events, entrepreneurial activities)
7. Hold a project competition among the youth of their community
8. Provide grants (invest in youth projects)
9. Monitor and evaluate projects
10. Provide a report to the network
11. Celebrate and analyze the work done
12. Return to point 4
What does the coordinator do?
The coordinator acts as a mentor for the YBI team. He or she guides their activities but does not control them. This person is important for the formation of the team, can give advice or help if there is a request from the youth.
It is important that the coordinator allows young people to be independent in their decision-making. He or she gives them the opportunity to make mistakes and take responsibility.
What is the essence of YBI for the community?
The main idea of YBI is to support active and conscious youth who can become community leaders in the future: join the public sector in their city or region, develop business, run for local government, etc. Former YBI alumni continue to engage in civic activities and bring about even more positive changes in the country.
What does YBI give to young people?
Practical knowledge that cannot be taught at school or in clubs. Financial literacy, management, the ability to write grant applications and projects, teamwork, information gathering and analysis, social media, and the ability to effectively communicate their ideas while taking responsibility for their actions.
YBI coordinators say that Youth Banks become a space where young people can relax and just be themselves. This is a space where the coordinator works as a mentor. A place where young people are believed and trusted. This is not always easy for coordinators, but they see the result – open and motivated young people with a clear position for change.
In addition, because YBI is present in 23 communities, young people bring Ukraine closer to them through the eyes of others.
We have gathered 60 superheroes who are not afraid to take responsibility!
All in order to introduce Ukrainian and Italian teenagers to Youth Initiative Banks (YIBs). The YIB model is operating in 32 countries. This is the first experience of an international meeting for our teams.
Support for hospitals, social institutions and assistance to Ukrainian residents with necessary medical equipment
The Foundation’s goal is to create a sustainable unified funding mechanism that will support local and national organizations through transparent and efficient grant allocation procedures.
This is an international model for engaging young people in active participation in the life of their communities, developing leadership skills and civic competencies.
A project to develop and support local vegetable growing, which will contribute to food security and support people in communities.
A comprehensive annual program for the development and establishment of new community foundations in Ukraine.
