If we’re to reach our global goals to end inequality, we must support this generation of youth leaders to lead — in their own their way. This means working together to adapt and support their vision and ingenuity.

The Emerging Catalysts Project is uplifting the voices of young people from around the world and sharing from their perspective why it’s important to support youth as a means to impact positive global change. The project brings together the expertise of youth leaders (Emerging Catalysts) and sector leaders to understand how exceptional youth leaders get the support they need so that we may chart recommendations for how youth can get more systematized, reliable and impactful support. We are mapping the sector, seeking to understand youth journey, and identifying programmatic best practices in order to create strategic recommendations for more effectively supporting youth leaders.

The Emerging Catalyst Network is made up of 100 exceptional youth leaders from around the world who are challenging existing norms, bringing new vision about a better world to their work, life and community and embodying what real change looks like. These youth leaders are using their voice to encourage organizations to move from a framework of aid towards working in solidarity with youth leaders and movements. 

Now is the time to join the Emerging Catalyst Coalition and pledge to take a movement mindset. Together we can influence donors, policymakers, and practitioners to work collaboratively and move away from aid and towards solidarity

WHO ARE EMERGING CATALYSTS?

Emerging Catalysts are exceptional young people working to solve global challenges. They are passionate about international development, and involved in a wide range of issues including democracy, human rights, food security, and climate justice. Their work - full time or part time - may take many forms, from trainings and community organizing to advocacy and policy development. 

These young leaders are inputing into recommendations into the research so that we can center our analysis and recommendations on their experiences. In the next months we'll be publicly profiling the Emerging Catalysts as exemplars of youth leadership.

WHAT'S THE STATE OF THE RESEARCH?

Rhize presented preliminary findings at International Civil Society Week (ICSW) in Bogota this April. We are continuing to collect feedback on our research to date. We're also seeking people to join the coalition and input recommendations for how the sector can improve its capacities supporting youth leadership to cascade impact. See our presentation deck from ICSW, and join the Emerging Catalyst Coalition to get involved!