Youth Engagement and Employment Strategy

Youth Employment and Engagement Strategy

Introduction:

At Impact Toolbox, we believe in the transformative power of youth engagement and empowerment. As an organization dedicated to driving positive change and fostering innovation, we recognize that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are also the change-makers of today. With their fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and passion for making a difference, youth have the potential to drive social change, spark innovation, and create a better world for all.

Our Youth Employment and Engagement Policy reflects our commitment to harnessing this potential by providing meaningful opportunities for youth to discover their talents, develop their skills, and impact their communities and beyond. Through our DTEC framework – Discover, Train, Engage/Employ, and Connect – we aim to create a supportive ecosystem where youth can thrive, grow, and become the leaders and innovators of today.

Basic Principles: DTEC

 

Discover: Identifying and Nurturing Talent:
At Impact Toolbox, we believe in the power of youth to drive positive change. Our Discover phase focuses on identifying talented and passionate young individuals with potential for leadership and innovation. We actively seek out youth from diverse backgrounds and communities through targeted outreach programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and community engagement initiatives. We prioritize inclusivity and equity, ensuring that all youth, regardless of their socio-economic status or personal circumstances, have the opportunity to participate.

Train: Providing Education and Skill Development

Once identified, we invest in youth education and skill development through comprehensive training programs. These programs are designed to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to succeed in their chosen fields. Whether through workshops, seminars, internships, or mentorship opportunities, we provide tailored support to help youth unlock their full potential and pursue their passions.

Engage/Employ:  Employing and Engaging Youth.

We believe in providing youth with meaningful employment opportunities that not only utilize their skills but also enable them to make a real impact. Through our Engage/Employ phase, we offer a range of employment opportunities, including internships, part-time and full-time positions, freelance contracts, and leadership roles. We pay livable wages based on local standards and ensure fair compensation for all youth employees.

We make doing social good attractive to inspire youth to consider making social impact and promoting environmental good as a career path.

Connect: Building a Supportive Ecosystem

At Impact Toolbox, we understand the value of connections and support networks in fostering personal and professional growth. That’s why we’re committed to building a supportive ecosystem for youth, connecting them with peers, mentors, industry professionals, and resources. Through networking events, online communities, and collaboration platforms, we create opportunities for youth to learn, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. We also provide access to global networks and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, enabling youth to broaden their horizons and expand their perspectives.

Why Youth?

We recognize that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are also the change-makers of today. We can drive innovation, spark social progress, and build a better future for all by harnessing their energy, creativity, and passion. Youth bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and boundless enthusiasm to the table, making them invaluable assets to our organization and society as a whole.

What We Provide:

At Impact Toolbox, we are committed to providing youth with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to start a successful impact-focused career. Here’s what we offer:

  • Meaningful Work Experience: We provide youth with opportunities to take on real-world projects and make meaningful contributions to our organization’s mission and goals.
  • Leadership Roles: We empower youth to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, allowing them to develop essential skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and team management.
  • Livable Wages: We believe in fair compensation for work and pay youth livable wages based on local standards, ensuring financial stability and security.
  • Equity and Inclusion: We prioritize engaging and employing youth from equity-deserving communities and backgrounds, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
  • Flexible Work Environment: We offer a results-oriented work environment with flexible hours and remote work options, allowing youth to balance their work commitments with other responsibilities and interests.
  • Support for Education: We recognize the importance of education and well-being and provide exam period time off and mental health breaks as needed for youth still in school.
  • Professional Development: All youth employees have access to paid vacation and an accessible professional development fund, enabling them to pursue further education, training, or personal growth opportunities.
  • Mentorship and Networking: We provide mentorship, industry connections, and global networking opportunities to support youth in their personal and professional development journey.
  • Validation: We understand the importance of validation in boosting youth confidence and self-esteem. We intentionally spotlight youth, acknowledging their contributions and achievements through role naming and recognition.

At Impact Toolbox, we are committed to enabling youth, fostering their potential, and creating a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and lead.