Skoll Foundation’s Post

My first Skoll World Forum experience was absolutely amazing! From thought-provoking discussions to groundbreaking ideas, it was a dream come true to connect with #changemakers from all over the world 🌎 I left Oxford feeling more motivated than ever to continue contributing to positive social change and to explore collaborations, especially with other grassroots leaders in Africa 🌍 because we are in this #together 🗺 Here are a few recommendations I have for visionaries planning to attend the SWF in the future 📝 1) Just like any conference, you get what you put in. Skoll requires a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it 💯 2) Get you some Skoll besties! It greatly enhances the experience! You and your squad can support each other with introductions, encouragement, and simply being there for one another 👥   3) Plan ahead - check the attendees list and schedule meetings in advance. If you can't schedule many meetings, don't worry. The experience will still be worthwhile as long as you actively engage with others during the various events 👣 4) If you were unable to secure all the meetings you wanted, familiarize yourself with the faces of the people you wanted to meet. There's a high chance you'll run into them at events, cafes, or the Said Business School. You can then make a quick introduction and connect 🤝 5) Forums like Skoll can be tough for introverts, but be brave and remember that the discomfort is only temporary 📌 6) As grassroots leaders, we wear many hats and are constantly juggling numerous tasks. If you can, take a few days off before attending Skoll to recharge and set intentions for the week 💡 7) Make sure to rest, take vitamins, and stay hydrated before, during, and after Skoll. This is important for staying healthy as you'll be working hard and in close proximity to many people, putting you at risk of catching upper respiratory bugs, etc. 🤒 8) Skoll shouldn't solely be about funding. Your network is just as valuable. Make time to meet funders, but also prioritize connecting with fellow visionaries and exploring collaborations. I'm incredibly excited about the potential partnerships that brewed between WAJAMAMA and other grassroots organizations at Skoll. 9) ALWAYS remember that you are on an equal footing with funders. We're not there to beg. We're there because we're doing incredible work and have something to offer. Funders are just as eager to meet remarkable individuals doing amazing things. 💡 10) I highly recommend going to the Skoll World Forum as a delegate, especially if it's your first time. It makes the experience much easier, and plus, the awards ceremony is truly unforgettable 💫 I can't wait for the next Skoll World Forum, and I encourage you to attend as well! A special shoutout to the Skoll Foundation team for organizing this incredible forum that brought together thousands of people from around the world who genuinely care about our future! 🌸 #CollectiveImpact

Many of the events in our industry have one thing in common…they're difficult for young professionals to get involved. 👫 Mostly due to the sheer cost, with most senior professionals in the business often taking up the tickets which have been secured. Although we do need those senior leaders in the audience - that's a huge element of #UKREiiF - having decision makers speaking to each other! But young professionals can benefit greatly from events like UKREiiF... connecting, listening to and quizzing those senior professionals and there's a lot to be learnt from networking between themselves and decision makers. 🤝 We wanted to create a platform that's inclusive for all...and giving a voice to those young professionals! That's why we created areas like the D&I and Youth Pavilion, so that young professionals can share their stories, visions and ideas! Take a look at what UKREiiF did to encourage this: https://lnkd.in/eX29z8Vc Mott MacDonald, Young Entrepreneurs in Property, The Skill Mill, Regeneration Brainery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Brookes University, Forging Futures, Ahead Partnership, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds College of Building, Building People CIC, LocatED, Rider Levett Bucknall, Emily Walker, Tarisiro Fundira, Pooja Agrawal, PUBLIC PRACTICE, Rebecca Clarke, Stantec, JLL, Leeds City Council, Junior Lawyers Division, Leeds Society of Architects, Jhive, National Association of Women in Construction, Women In Social Housing

In partnership with The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, we’re excited to invite you to a groundbreaking weekend dedicated to showcasing the contributions of New Mainers and fostering a more inclusive community. Join us this April 5-6th at the Start Summit: New Mainer Inclusivity! What’s it About? This isn't just any summit, it's a chance to solve real problems through teamwork and innovation. Engage in hands-on workshops, collaborate on meaningful solutions, and pitch your ideas for cash prizes. Your Summit Weekend: 💡Learn: Skills in design thinking and pitching. 🌐Team Up: With diverse minds to tackle the question: "How might we creatively showcase the contributions of New Mainers and foster a more inclusive society?" 🏅Pitch & Prosper: Present your solutions for a chance to win up to $2,000. Why Attend? 🟢Open to All: No prior experience? No problem. We’re looking for anyone ready to impact change. 🏆Rewards: Beyond cash prizes, gain recognition and support for your ideas. 📓Fully Covered: Enjoy free workshops, meals, and networking. April 5-6 | Roux Institute, Portland. You can register and find the full schedule of events via the link in our bio.

With only two days left for the Youth Forum Switzerland to begin, we have interviewed our last group, the Series Team. The Series team is in charge of organizing the memorable sessions, discussions, and activities, ensuring a transformative experience for all participants. In this exclusive interview with one of the lead student organizers of the Series team, George Friberg, we invite you to discover the backstage of the preparations for YFS 2024. How have the preparations for YFS been going in the Series team? “Preparations have been going well, each and every member of the series team is highly driven to produce relevant, well researched and forward thinking panels.” Talk about highlights and rewarding experiences you’ve had during the planning process. “I would say reading through the scripts of all the panels I oversaw once they were complete. Seeing the work people put in, and how their visions of what they wanted to discuss came into fruition was uniquely gratifying.” Could you share some challenges that your team has encountered throughout the planning process? “When designing a panel for an event like YFS, there are a few things that are really important to consider. Firstly, this event is meant for youth and thus the topics need to be interesting and relevant to youth. This can make it hard when designing panels. Secondly, balancing breadth against specificity is also challenging. You want a topic that covers a lot, but a panel that is too broad risks just reiterating common knowledge to the audience. Whereas a panel that is too in depth though may not be interesting to the audience or it may be too confusing.” What are you most enthusiastic about this event? “I’m excited to see which panels the audience loves! Unlike a play or musical where you know the parts people will most likely like, panels are truly unpredictable. There are so many incredible panels, and I can’t wait to see how the panelists interact with each other.” We are looking forward to seeing you join us for this world class forum! #yfs2024, #iszl #youthempowerment #youthleadership

In recent years, I've consciously focused on building more genuine connections (which often means fewer connections) both online and when at events or traveling. This has opened incredible doors and fostered invaluable relationships. It has led me to new countries, speaking in front of new crowds, and embracing new communities of like-minded people from different regions. This recent virtual event image captures the essence of community in action: dynamic, diverse, and digitally connected. I met Paz Pisarski, the Founder of Australia's The Community Collective, by using this focus of making 'fewer but stronger connections' when at CMX Summit last year. Meaningful connections are about depth and quality (not quantity). As I prepare to share these insights at TEDxWinnipeg, I'm reminded of our collective power to inspire, engage, and support each other, no matter the distance. Do you have a mantra or goal when it comes to connecting online or at events? #DigitalConnections #TEDx #TEDxWinnipeg #DigitalNetworking #CommunityBuilding

🌍 Unlock Your Potential at International Volunteer Forum 2.0! 🌟Are you ready to make a difference on a global scale? 🌟 Mark your calendars for October 5-8, as the International Volunteer Forum 2.0 is back and better than ever! 🗓️ This incredible event is your opportunity to empower youth, create lasting connections, and drive positive change across borders. 🌏Organized by the esteemed Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance, the International Volunteer Forum 2.0 promises to be an unforgettable experience for young changemakers who are passionate about making a meaningful impact. 🌟 Why Should You Attend? 🚀 Empowerment: Gain insights from thought leaders, experts, and successful individuals who are changing the world. Discover your potential to drive positive change and make your mark. 🤝 Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Build a network of driven individuals who share your passion for creating a better world. 🌱 Learning: Engage in workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a volunteer and a leader. 💡 Innovation: Explore innovative approaches to solving global challenges. The Forum will ignite your creativity and inspire you to think outside the box. Scholarship Opportunities: We're excited to announce that fully funded scholarships may be available for eligible participants! Don't let financial constraints hold you back from joining this transformative event. Stay tuned for updates on scholarship applications. Join us from October 5th to 8th, and let's come together to shape a brighter future. 🌈 Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or young professional, the International Volunteer Forum 2.0 is your chance to ignite change and contribute to a better world. 🌎 Stay tuned for more updates, speaker announcements, and scholarship details. Let's make a difference, together! 💪 #IVF2023 #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalChangeMakers #HISA #VolunteerForum #hisaivfturkey #hisaivfturkey2023 Visit [https://lnkd.in/dGD8ii_X] for more details and registration.

Hello LinkedIn Community, I hope this message finds you well and thriving. Today, I am excited to share some reflections and insights that have been swirling in my mind, particularly after our recent event at ESEI International Business School Barcelona. We have all heard of networking, a term that has been a cornerstone in the professional world for decades. However, it’s time to pivot our mindset and welcome a new era – an era I like to affectionately call “NetWho.” 🌟 #NetWho goes beyond the conventional exchange of business cards and small talk. It’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering a community that’s empowered and driven by a desire to make a lasting impact. It’s about knowing “who” is in your network, understanding their passions, and aligning with them on a journey to create change. Reflecting on our latest event at ESEI International Business School Barcelona, I was struck by the palpable energy and the genuine connections being formed. It wasn’t just networking; it was NetWho in action. 💼🤝 We meticulously coordinated countless details to ensure the event was nothing short of extraordinary, staying true to ESEI’s DNA of inclusion, innovation, and impact. Our volunteers, speakers, and all those who played a part in the event were crucial in weaving the fabric of this unique experience. Inclusion was at the heart of it all. We welcomed diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas, creating a space where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. The magic of NetWho was evident as connections were formed, not just for professional gain, but for the collective desire to make things happen, to drive change, and to create a brighter, more connected future. So, I invite you all to embrace this new era. Let’s move beyond networking and step into the world of NetWho. Let’s connect, not just on a professional level, but on a human level. Let’s share our passions, our motivations, and our dreams. Let’s create a network that’s not just about “what” we can do for each other, but about “who” we are and the impact we can make together. Thank you to everyone who played a part in our event and to the ESEI International Business School Barcelona community for continually inspiring and driving change. Here’s to NetWho, the future of meaningful connections! 🚀 Well done #Networking #NetWho #Community #Impact #Inclusion #ESEIInternationalBusinessSchool #Events

📣 New expert advisory report: A national ambition for major events 📣 https://lnkd.in/eVAP3KeG 💗 In a world currently so full of polarization and division, I believe it is extra important to find and amplify the activities that help bring us together, provide opportunities to see and learn about the richness of differences, and remind us of our common humanity. Culture, sporting, and heritage events are one of those activities we have for doing so. In this spirit, our report outlines a 10-year guide for enhancing the capacity of events to achieve their positive benefits. For impact enthusiasts, it also includes: 🔑 An ecosystem theory of change approach to enabling collaboration and collective outcomes ⚖ A common outcome framework for major events 💫 Specific recommendations such as a data observatory (with even more great detail on that in a sister report: https://lnkd.in/eYra_Pag Fry Creative ) It was a pleasure working with the brilliant Jonothan Neelands and Mark Scott University of Warwick - Warwick Business School to deliver this project, as inspired and commissioned by Spirit of 2012 vision.

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Jane Jacobs As my LinkedIn timeline fills with posts from those heading to Leeds for UKREiiF to discuss levelling up, partnerships, social value, impact measurement, inclusive growth, just transitions, ESG, Net Zero, and other critical topics, it is evident that communities organisations are (without any wilful malice) excluded from this event. With tickets priced close to £1000 (plus travel, rooms and f & b that cant be 'expensed') and no actual free tickets available without close affiliations to sponsors etc , community representatives are effectively priced out of the conversation. This lazy exclusion undermines the very principles of equity and inclusion from the majority of the discussions that frames many items on the agenda. This merely perpetuates the existing power imbalances and inequalities that sits at the heart of many of the problems that will be discussed. High-profile conferences must become genuinely inclusive by: Offering bursaries, scholarships, or discounted / free tickets to community representatives. Ensuring diverse representation to ground discussions in real-world experiences. Providing alternative engagement methods, such as virtual attendance options and local satellite events. Partnering with community organisations to co-create the conference agenda. Implementing transparent and accountable impact measurement that includes community feedback. Ensuring discussions lead to actionable outcomes that truly benefit communities. It is imperative that we move beyond theoretical discussions and tokenistic gestures to create spaces where community voices are heard, valued and integral to shaping solutions. Only then can we achieve the inclusive and equitable growth we aspire to. A seat at the table is all we want. A level playing pitch in the levelling up agenda. Enjoy Leeds all who attend. It is a fine city. So, REiiFers - when you use or hear the warms words about 'community ' in lovely Leeds please beware - it is likely 'they' are not in the room where it happens ..

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀! 💪 Tanja Laub, Community Strategist at Walkabout Media, gave us some interesting information about community building at events. Community building is a useful way to create a lasting exchange between attendees with genuine interest and passion at professional events. To create a real community, a suitable niche must be found. Community also keeps attendees in the loop. Input to the event is provided not only at the “peaks” before and after the event, but over a longer period, making participation worthwhile. 🔁🤝 To encourage community building and getting to know each other, the event should consist of two half days, such as an afternoon event with an evening event and a morning event the next day. For lager evens, it is also a good idea to use different colored nametags for people in similar fields to make it easier for them to recognize each other and network. 👥 ➡️To learn more about community building and other event building blocks, join us on January 22 for a presentation of the Future Meeting Space research results of 2023. Register here for the online presentation: https://lnkd.in/evMAZR7s Future Meeting Space Fraunhofer IAO #FutureMeetingSpace #innovation #eventprofs #meetingprofs #EventInnovation #ExpertInsights #TransformativeExperience