|
The Global Youth Action Network, secretariat of the World Youth Movement for Democracy, has developed a model for local network building as a way of strengthening the global youth movement. The WYMD encourages its participants to use these methods with a focus on democracy and political participation.
Please note: We are no longer organizing Local Teams as official entities. The WYMD is a decentralized network of democracy promoters, not an organization with branches or offices.
|
|
A strong local network is a priceless asset for making real change in your community. When pro-democracy groups in your city come together, it becomes easier to:
- Find collaborators for events, projects, and campaigns
- Build solidarity networks against persecution
- Achieve critical mass for protests and signature campaigns
- Raise funds to support your work
- Expand your network of contacts
- Win the attention of and access to decision-makers
- Share ideas and invent new strategies
- Get media attention for your campaigns and events
- Organize training sessions and workshops
- Make positive progress towards real democracy!
|
|
THE LOCAL DATABASE
Build a database of people working locally to promote democratic principles, and/or that are run by, working with, or especially support youth. Local networkers will be provided with an account for Gsync - a free online database tool designed by the Global Youth Action Network and Palm Desktop. Potential organizations might include student organizations, human rights groups, or free speech advocates. Getting a sense of who is already working in your area is an essential first step to building an effective local movement.
Any group working peacefully towards real democracy is a potential ally. Remember that the WYMD believes in promoting democracy in a way that is diverse, inclusive, non-violent, and respectful of differing opinions and perspectives. The Movement seeks to encourage dialogue and idea-sharing between diverse groups working for a common end - real democracy.
PLAN LOCAL NETWORKING EVENTS
Make contact with these potential allies and plan an event where representatives from the groups can meet, learn about each other's activities, and begin thinking about collaborations. A Local Youth Forum is one great way to start this process.
Work together with interested groups to plan actions around important issues in your community, to form working groups in planning for an event, etc.
Starting a regular social event for everyone in your network can help maintain momentum for collaboration and innovation.
BUILD CONTACTS WITH LOCAL PRESS
A good relationship with the staff of local newspapers, radio stations, and community television will help you develop outreach channels to youth and increase your chances for getting coverage of events and campaigns. The importance most journalists place on free press and independent media makes them natural allies in strengthening democracy.
WORK WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Contact and try to build a relationship with the youth structure in local government - the Youth Secretary or Minister, or the department under which youth issues are covered. This person, or a good contact in her office, can be an important ally in enhancing youth engagement with local politics.
STRENGTHEN YOUR NETWORK
Be open-minded about where you might find allies - young people working with larger institutions, church groups, international youth groups, etc.
NETWORK YOUR NETWORKS
The Secretariat will help local networkers to enter into contact with others in their region and countries to share information and collaborate. We are developing tools to showcase your activities on the website, and to make it easier to find partners and potential collaborators for your actions.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Networkers in countries where democracy activism is illegal or repressed will need to take particular care about identifying or compiling lists of activists, or holding official meetings. Be aware of possible threats and always get people's consent on how you will use their personal information. Though the WYMD can help bring visibility to your work, it cannot provide protection from persecution in your country!!
|
- Mobilize around Launch Day 2005 - October 18 - for the Global Youth Democracy Campaign
- Host a Local Youth Forum
- Host debates with local leaders or candidates for local government, and invite the local press
- Put on a youth essay contest in the format of writing editorials to your local paper, letters to your local government or congressional/parliamentary representatives
- Hold workshops to build strategy, network, share skills, or receive trainings
- Organize broader community discussions or meetings - Bantaba, PTA, church groups
|
1. Youth Forum for Democracy and Political Participation
A guide to holding a forum for youth in your community to develop a Local Youth Platform and meet with local political leaders to discuss issues of concern to the youth represented there. We encourage WYMD participants to hold these events to build unity in local youth groups, engage youth with the political process, and strengthen the influence of youth in local government.
2. A better network: Publishing Local Calendars
from Global Youth Action Network
How to publish a local calendar of youth opportunities and resources.
3.
A better network: Monthly Dinners
from Global Youth Action Network
Organizing an informal, monthly local gathering of young activists and allies.
There are many more guides on our Resource Page.
Interested? Contact the secretariat by sending an email to 
|
