Supporting the Next Generation of Young Leaders

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1 Supporting the Next Generation of Young Leaders

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4 The journey so far

5 Uprising was co-founded in 2005 by Rushanara Ali (Director at Young Foundation), Geoff Mulgan (Chief Executive of Young Foundation) and Will Norman (Head of Research at Young Foundation UpRising was an idea which was inspired by insights drawn from the 2001 Northern Disturbances and has much relevance given the August 2011 riots; in particular, the need to encourage a sense of belonging amongst young people, understanding rights and responsibilities and increasing a stake in their local communities by equipping them with the tools to make a positive change. The Young Foundation identified a number of barriers that prevent people from excluded communities pursing routes into power. These include lack of confidence, skills, connections, education and social capital. Many people feel disengaged from political processes and feel unable to identify with existing leaders. In many communities there is a lack of understanding of how things work and a reluctance to take on roles seen as being the responsibility or expertise of others. UpRising launched in 2008 to address these barriers and pave the way for a new generation of civic leaders who can give voice to communities who currently feel marginalised and disempowered. Through peer to peer interaction as well as access to wider networks, UpRising aims to increase the social capital of participants, address issues of social mobility amongst young people, and increase life skills so that young people can work, live and play a significant role in an increasingly diverse Britain and globalised world. Rushanara Ali MP Bethnal Green and Bow is Chair of UpRising and its Patrons include Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy prime Minister Nick Clegg, Leader of Opposition Ed Miliband and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

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7 Where we are now UpRising is a leadership programme dedicated to supporting and building the capability of young adults. We seek to create the next generation of effective and connected leaders across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Our unique combination of leadership training, mentoring and campaigning means that young people gain personally from the programme and importantly, give back to their local communities at the same time. Since 2008, we have worked with over 200 young adults in the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Tower Hamlets. In 2010, the programme was launched in Birmingham; in Bedford in 2011 and further expansion is planned to the other major cities across the UK. There has never been a greater need to identify and nurture young talent wherever it is found. However, with this great need comes a great opportunity: an opportunity to develop the enormous pool of promise that lies beyond the often limited networks from which our leaders are currently drawn. Rushanara Ali, MP Bethnal Green & Bow, Chair UpRising Board of Trustees

8 UpRising a great opportunity UpRising provides a great opportunity for its participants Monthly Inspiring learning sessions delivered by high profile leaders and educators. Behind-the-scenes learning visits to major institutions such as the BBC, the Houses of Parliament, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. The opportunity to work with a team of peers to develop Social Action Campaigns to tackle an issue in the community identified by the participants. Personal, tailored mentoring to help UpRisers get more from the programme. Yearly A two-day residential leadership retreat. Leadership and networking opportunities through events, master-classes and the UpRising alumni network. Social Action Campaigns where UpRisers take their learning back into their communities, and commit to make positive change. Supporters and mentors have gained so much from the programme as well.

9 Photoshop The Uprising Programme has managed to combine personal mentoring, teamworking and leadership development into a unique programme. It has been fascinating to watch my mentee go through a rapid development path. Seema Malhotra Director of the Fabian Womens Network, London Mentor Image caption

10 Since going through the UpRising programme, I have been stirred to spread the word about the importance of active engagement in civil society. At the office I regularly challenge colleague s perceptions and encourage them to get involved. Bobby Seagull PriceWaterhouse Cooper, UpRiser

11 Impact of UpRising At UpRising we believe that an increasingly multifaceted Britain in a globalised world should have leaders who reflect the rich diversity of life experience in our society Citizenship Survey, showed that only one in five young people believe that they can influence important decisions. This is not simply a consequence of apathy 73% of people saw influence in local decision-making as important. Social mobility and equality of opportunity remains a very real and live issue within the UK. 96% of UpRisers identified the programme as having given them a chance to do new things, and 99% of UpRisers said that they had made valuable networks of contacts 95% of UpRisers believe that they now have the power and skills to change issues that affect them and their local community 90% of UpRisers felt that the programme had improved their campaigning skills, with 79% saying that UpRising had significantly improved their understanding of power and influence 87% of UpRisers now recognise themselves as leaders on entering the programme, only 55% of participants saw themselves in this way 84% of UpRisers have a more developed sense of personal responsibility for helping society to develop and flourish, and are now more motivated to become a public leader 84% of UpRisers felt that UpRising made a significant difference in their ability to understand people who are different from them

12 The future of UpRising We know that good leadership is key to the well being and resilience of our communities. Good leadership which is diverse, relevant and reflects the needs of its communities therefore needs to be supported. UpRising fills the current leadership deficit that exists up and down Britain by working with the leaders of tomorrow, giving them the tools, opportunities and networks to make a positive impact in their communities. We want to create a network of future diverse leaders who enjoy peer to peer support and working together putting their differences aside to have a greater impact in changing their communities for the better. We look forward to seeing Uprising come to a different city each year and for a new model of 21st century leadership to be established which is based on diversity, integrity and serving the common good.

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16 UpRising Leadership Programme 18 Victoria Park Square London E2 9PF