Firing young people’s passionto change the world for good

At Young Social Innovators we believe in the power of youth!

Through our programmes, events and workshops we help young people unleash the innovator within and discover their potential as powerful catalysts for change.

“ Before TY I would have been fairly shy, I wouldn’t have been one to put myself out there and get involved. YSI has really pushed me, I’m definitely more confident within myself and have no problem speaking to anyone about anything. That’s been a huge benefit for me. That’s something I’ll carry on for the rest of my life.”

Claire Bradley,Social Innovator

“ YSI has given me some of the highlights of my teaching career. I always say that but it’s true. I have seen students blossom and grow and develop and tackle issues and really make a difference. There’s been good times and bad times, but there’s always learning and they love it. So I feel very lucky to be part of it.”

Niamh Sheridan,YSI Guide and Education Support Team Member

“ YSI fits perfectly with the values of the school, which are about being inclusive and everyone being treated equally and their voice being heard.

“ I would definitely encourage other principals and schools to get involved. Particularly since most principals aren’t teaching any more, YSI is a great forum for connecting with students.”

Des Cullen,Principal

Young Social Innovators’ Programmes

Social Innovation Action Programme

Working in teams innovators are challenged to identify a social issue and to come up with creative solutions.

They are led by a “YSI Guide” trained in using YSI’s social innovation tools for learning.

Regional and all-Ireland events are part of this YSI experience.

YSI Teams can nominate their project for entry into competitive awards.

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Youth-led Social Innovation Action Project

Runs: September – May

Age group: 15-18 years

Suitable for: TY, 5th Years, LCA, LCVP, FETAC, Youthreach and Youth Groups.

Events: Speak Outs (March), YSI Showcase (May)

Can be integrated into subject areas such as Home Economics, Religion, English, Art, SPHE, Geography or as a stand-alone module.

Teacher, student and school certification available.

Digital platform for social innovators and extensive online resources available.

See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

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COMMUNITIES of Social Innovators Programme

A Community of Social Innovators motivates, encourages and celebrates youth led social innovation.

The programme is led by student members of the YSI Advocate Team supported by ‘YSI Community Guides’. Social innovation is promoted throughout the Community under a chosen “Innovate theme”.Training and networking events for Advocate teams and junior social innovation workshops are included as part of this YSI experience.

Youth-led Community-based Programme

Runs: September – May

Age: Varied - All 2nd Level

Suitable for: Schools/Youthreach with prior experience of YSI Social Innovation ACTION programme. Digital platform for Community profiling, and online resources available.

Events: Community Networking events (January), YSI Showcase (May)

See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

EXPLORE Social Innovation Programme

Highly interactive, fun and inspiring, these workshops are designed to help young people recognise their creativity and their potential to make a positive difference to the world we live in.

Delivered by YSI facilitators, young people learn about social innovation and entrepreneurship and get a real understanding that what they do makes a difference.

Participants are invited to follow up on each workshop by undertaking a small social innovation action.

Half day Workshops

Runs: October - May (depending on capacity)

Age: Varied - All 2nd Level

Suitable for: CSPE, SPHE, 5th years, Student Councils, RE groups and youth groups (junior and senior).

Events: In-School Workshops Themes include - Finding My Voice, I am a Social Innovator and Social Innovation for Student Councils (always up dating!).

See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

Developing and Sustaining Social Innovation

Support, tailored training and funding are offered through the YSI Den and made available to help some YSI teams to increase the impact and sustainability of their social innovation.

Teams are invited to pitch for access to The Social Innovation Fund to help develop or sustain an innovative idea, product or enterprise.

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Developing and Sustaining Social Innovation

Open to applications from both ACTION projects and COMMUNITIES of Social Innovators.

See www.youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

Continuing Professional Development, Training and Certification

YSI provides comprehensive training and support to YSI Guides, i.e. educators who facilitate and support young people on their YSI journey. It introduces to them YSI’s unique model for socialinnovation practice and learning.

Skills: Facilitation of Youth Led Social Innovation | Creative Thinking and Analysis | Leadership | Creative and Digital Communications | Project Planning and Management | Social Innovation Learning

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Continuing Professional Development, Training and Certification

Attendance at YSI training and YSI team facilitation gives eligibility for certification as a YSI Guide.

Young Social Innovators’ 4 Cs of Social Innovation

Social Innovation Awards

All schools and youth organisations that take part in YSI’s Action and/or Community programmes are eligible for annual certification while they work towards flying their ‘We Innovate’ flag. A Community of Excellence Award can also be achieved for widespread youth engagement.

Social Innovation Awards

Launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014 and developed in association with Young Social Innovators' public partners, the Social Innovation Awards recognise schools and youth organisations committed to engaging young people in civic and social innovation.

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www.youngsocialinnovators.org