Youth Venture is an international organization working under the Ashoka umbrella. Jack Knellinger, Director of Youth Venture, says that the organization is "designed to inspire and empower young people." With something akin to an online networking community, the website is a mix of pop culture and social change, allowing for change to occur organically and through peer communication. To learn more about the various ventures, you can browse both teams and members by interest, region, country, account type and the phase of the venture.
One such example, which is in the featured video, is Alex Lek's Block Rocker's Crew, a breakdancing group in Seattle, Washington that raises money and awareness for the invisible children in Uganda. Invisible children are those young people without family, in displacement camps and affected by war -- essentially, children who aren't seen. By doing what they love, breakdancing, the b-boys in this crew are able to help address a need in Uganda. Lek praised Youth Venture and its sponsors (which includes like Starbucks and MTV U) for allowing the ideas of youth to get heard and put into action.
Youth Venture shows us that change doesn't have to come from those at the upper echelons of society -- governments and multinational corporations. Change can come from within and it can come from children who desire to impact their communities.
By giving young people all the necessary tools they need, Youth Venture allows young people to make their socially minded dreams come true and to create change in their communities and beyond.
Contact Information:
Youth Venture Website
Change-Making Communities
Ashoka's Youth Venture Empowers Young People to Promote Positivity
Trend Themes
1. Youth Empowerment - There is a trend of empowering young people to create positive change in their communities by providing them with the necessary tools and resources.
2. Online Networking Communities - The rise of online networking communities that mix pop culture and social change is allowing for organic change and peer communication.
3. Disruptive Social Entrepreneurship - Youth Venture demonstrates the disruptive potential of social entrepreneurship, showing that change can come from within and doesn't have to rely solely on governments and multinational corporations.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The education industry can benefit from incorporating youth empowerment programs that encourage social entrepreneurship and practical skills for creating change.
2. Philanthropy - Philanthropic organizations can leverage the rise of online networking communities to engage with and support young change-makers in their efforts.
3. Entertainment - The entertainment industry has the opportunity to collaborate with youth empowerment initiatives like Youth Venture to create positive social impact through innovative campaigns and partnerships.