The world is changing at a quick pace today. This makes it necessary that both the old and the young become active participants as well as agents of change. It is the youth who are the future of a country. We must have youngsters play an essential role and lead the path towards progress.

Ashoka distinguishes and supports the world’s driving social entrepreneurs. It is a carefully chosen network of youngsters who desire to dedicate their efforts towards creating change to benefit all. It is committed to building a global network of young leaders who create Everyone a Changemaker world. Counted among the best 5 NGOs in the world, it is an organization any young changemaker out there should definitely be a part of.

How Does Ashoka Work?

the organization works as a collaborative network that supports change by uniting young changemakers across the globe. The organization has 400 Fellows currently. They are working in diverse fields, such as education, agriculture, human rights, finance, youth and women empowerment across the country. Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Magsaysay awardee Anshu Gupta are among its eminent Fellows.

We know that the world is changing at a rapid pace. The World Economic Forum tells us that 65% of children today will find themselves working in completely new kinds of jobs which don’t even exist today. In these times, we have to work towards creating a world with equal opportunities, where everyone can be a changemaker. Skills like empathy, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving are essential in building such a world.

Priorities of Ashoka 

In its efforts to accelerate change and create a world where everyone’s a leader, the organization focuses on three key points:

1. Organizing for Changemaking: 

The organization has joined forces with business advisers, business schools, and social entrepreneurs. It seeks to develop and create new business models which focus on solving problems, creating opportunities and making an impact on society by helping youngsters reach their full potential. 

2. Social Entrepreneurship: 

The organization has identified and supported the world’s leading social entrepreneurs since 1980. 

Social entrepreneurs are the driving force towards change. They have led the way in solving social, economic and environmental challenges, working with the objective of benefiting everyone. The Ashoka Fellows directly impact the lives of  numerous individuals throughout the world. Ashoka Venture and Fellowship, Ashoka Support Network, Ashoka Executive in Residence, Ashoka Changemakers are some its social entrepreneurship programs. 

3. Empathy and Young Changemaking: 

In a universe of constant change, there are many complex difficulties and challenges which must be overcome. This makes empathy an essential quality that we must have, in order to listen to others and respect other opinions. Empathy is as important a skill as reading, writing or math, to build a world where each player is a leader and a contributor.

Perks and Responsibilities 

There are both perks and responsibilities to being an Ashoka Young Changemaker which everyone should keep in mind. Some of them are as follows: 

• Be a part of a worldwide community of like-minded social innovators. 
• Look for potential Ashoka Young Changemakers through examination, contact with nominators, and so forth. 
• Be present for individual interviews with candidates.
• Go to Bootcamps and Inductions with driving business visionaries. Become a Peer partner, and form associations to encourage a culture of critical thinking among the youth. 
• Help in creating candidate profiles for presenting to the Board of Ashoka.
• Must have excellent writing skills. 
• Make alternative learning objectives to develop as a leader and access Ashoka’s knowledge resources, events, and mentors to accomplish them. 
• Revise the applications which are received in terms of the organization’s selection criteria.

Eligibility Criteria 

The selection criteria for prospective Fellows are as follows: 

• The applicant should be younger than 20 years. 
• Should have been an organizer or a fellow team member of an activity that has made a positive effect in society. 
• Should be keen on taking up positions of responsibility such as being a co-leader, role model, or a youth influencer. 

How Can You Support Ashoka Young Changemakers? 

If you are impressed by the Organisation’s work, here are some ways you can support them:

• Help in spreading their message. 
• Associating the changemakers with potential leaders. 
• Imparting your time and talents to the platform. 
• Become a changemaker with your experiences. 
• Donations would be greatly appreciated. 

Interested applicants can get in touch with the team by email at ayc@ashoka.org. If you wish to directly speak to a member, you can contact ddarshan@ashoka.org .

How Can You Apply For It?

Step1 – Online Nomination and Screening

Apply or nominate someone to become a Changemaker through their online website. Think about your efforts towards bringing positive change in society and the action you took in this direction. 

Step2 – International Review

Talk to 4 to 5 social business visionaries and youthful changemakers from Ashoka’s worldwide network. Understand the organization’s thoughts and intentions better, and gain expert knowledge to propel your change-making venture. 

Step3 – Selection Panel

Take a team member or an ally to an in-person conversation, which will include top social journalists, business people, and different leaders. Meet other young changemakers and discuss plans to impact youth culture in your nation and co-lead the development towards Everyone a Changemaker world. Panel related expenses will be covered, like accommodation, food, and domestic travel. Applicants are additionally permitted to bring a parent or a grown-up partner during the visit. 

What Happens After Selection? 

The Board at Ashoka will send invitations to a select gathering of individuals to become Ashoka Young Changemakers. You are inducted into a worldwide network, gaining access to media partnerships, exposure visits, co-administration Bootcamps, vital partners, open talking stages, and many more chances to develop yourself and impact the youth culture in your nation. 

Each Young Changemaker is given the responsibility of co-driving the development which makes ‘Everybody a Changemaker’. As a co-pioneer, you will come up with new plans to fuel the movement or work on existing Ashoka projects for youngsters. 

Want To Learn More About The Program?

Read some of the stories and updates from the global community of Ashoka Young Changemakers here: https://www.ashoka.org/en/collection/stories-ayc-community

Feel free to nominate yourself or someone you know here: https://www.ashoka.org/en-in/about-ayc

Also Read – What is citizen for public leadership fellowship? from the author.