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Future's Edge

Advisors

Future’s Edge is a youth-led organisation which we define as less than 26 years old. People who are 26 years old or more and interested in participating, they can apply to becone an advisor.

1. Defining Their Roles:

It’s crucial to clearly define the roles of the advisors to ensure they complement, and not overshadow, the youth leadership. Here are some ways they could contribute:

  • Mentors/Advisors: Provide guidance and support to the core team, offering advice, feedback, and access to their networks. They will NOT be making any decisions, and will act as advisors only.
  • Skill-Specific Coaches: Share their expertise in specific areas, such as technology, marketing, finance, or governance. They may provide short, focused workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions.
  • Strategic Partners: Help connect the movement with potential partners, funders, or advisors.
  • Resource Facilitators: Identify and provide access to relevant resources such as software, equipment, or funding opportunities.
  • Trusted Guides: Help navigate challenges and provide a grounding perspective based on their wider experience.
  • Safety Support: Offer guidance and support in making sure the movement is safe for the youth, building accountability structures, and developing safety policies and procedures.

2. Ensuring a Youth-Led Environment:

It’s essential to maintain the youth-led nature of your movement. Here’s how to do that:

  • Advisory Capacity Only: Emphasize that the professionals are in an advisory capacity and that the youth members are responsible for all decision-making.
  • Clear Boundaries: Set clear boundaries for their involvement, ensuring they don’t overstep their advisory roles.
  • Youth as Drivers: Clearly state that while guidance and support are important, the project will be driven by young people.
  • Open Communication: Foster open communication so that youth members feel comfortable providing feedback to the advisors and letting you know if any boundaries are being overstepped.
  • Limited Number of Advisors: Consider a small number of advisors to avoid overwhelming the youth core team.
  • Rotation of Advisors: To keep things fresh and ensure a wide range of perspectives, consider rotating through different advisors based on the projects or needs of the group.

3. Recruiting the Right Professionals:

Here are some factors to consider when choosing professionals:

  • Shared Values: Look for individuals who align with your core values and are genuinely passionate about empowering youth.
  • Relevant Experience: Select those who have experience in the areas where you need support.
  • Collaborative Mindset: Choose those who are comfortable working in a mentoring/facilitation role and won’t take over control.
  • Willingness to Learn: Ensure they are open to learning from the youth and understanding their perspectives.
  • Diversity: Seek out professionals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse skill sets, to reflect your movement’s focus on inclusion.
  • Passion: Select those who are passionate about the idea of building a better world.

4. Initial Communication:

When reaching out to professionals, emphasize:

  • Their Advisory Role: Clearly explain the specific ways you’d like them to contribute, including the mentoring or advisory structure.
  • The Youth-Led Nature: Reassure them that their role is to guide and support, not to lead the decision-making process.
  • Their Impact: Highlight the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people and support a global movement for change.
  • Their Connection to the Vision: Ensure they understand the mission and vision and will support these, and not their own personal agendas.

5. Onboarding and Integration:

  • Introduction to Core Team: Introduce the professional advisors to the youth core team, making clear their roles and responsibilities.
  • Regular Check-Ins: Establish regular online check-in meetings between the advisors and the youth core team.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Develop a process for the youth members to provide feedback to advisors, and vice versa.
  • Open Communication: Encourage an open dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and respect between youth members and advisors.
  • Training/Preparation: Before they start as advisors, it may be good to provide them with a short training that explains the needs and values of the organisation.

Benefits of Including advisors:

  • Expertise and Guidance: Access to real-world experience and specialized knowledge.
  • Network and Connections: Ability to reach potential partners, funders, and mentors.
  • Credibility and Validation: Lending authority to the movement and its vision.
  • Strategic Direction: Providing a broader perspective on the movement’s goals and potential pathways.
  • Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Providing access to professional development and training for your members.

Incorporating this into Your Plan:

  • Target Specific Needs: When you recruit professionals, think about areas where you need specific help (e.g., legal, finance, technology).
  • Start Small: Start with a small number of advisors and expand as needed.
  • Let the Youth Lead: Ensure that the youth members are always driving the movement.
  • Regularly Re-evaluate: Assess how the mentors are contributing, to ensure the system is working well.

By carefully integrating the experience and expertise of advisors, while maintaining a clear youth-led focus, you will create a powerful and well-rounded movement that is poised for lasting success. This approach combines youthful energy with wisdom, experience, and strategic guidance.