What is Rise Up?
We are looking for young people aged 16-24 with a passion for social change who are keen to gain experience in campaigning and activism.
What?
Rise Up is a fully funded, one year course for young people interested in achieving social change. If you’re between 16 and 24* and want to build the skills to make a positive impact on the important issues of today and an issue important to you, then read on. You can see a session overview here.
Why?
We are one of the world’s largest human rights organisations – experts in campaigning for justice wherever it has been denied. We work with activists and experts across the world who are delivering positive change in some of the most difficult places. We want to share this experience so together, we can Rise Up.
How?
We believe everyone’s got the right to shape society no matter where you’re from or what you do. But often it’s hard to know where to start. So we’re going back to basics, offering a course that will help build skills, knowledge, confidence and networks to make the positive bring about the change you want to see.
'It is my abiding belief that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders we need here and now.'
Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of Amnesty International
Who?
We’re looking for ideas people. Aged between 16-24*. From across the UK.
We’re not interested in grades, or professional experience. We want to know that you’re committed to achieving positive change in your community and exploring how to do it.
We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, non-binary people, LGBTQI folk, people living with disabilities, young parents, refugees and migrants, survivors and those not in education, employment or training and those from the traveller community. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
We commit to provide relevant support to anyone with additional needs, including creating a safe space and welcome support workers to accompany participants in the sessions.
When?
The course is made up of four weekend sessions taking place over one year from September 2019 to June 2020. The sessions will include both theory and practical skills, and focus on how to apply these to real life situations.
Where?
The course will take place at the Human Rights Action Centre, our HQ in London.
All travel expenses, food, accommodation, childcare, and caring costs will be covered as part of the training.
How to apply
The application is an online form here. You will be asked to fill in some personal details and then to submit answers to the following questions;
- What is the biggest change you want to see in the next five years?
- What projects have you been involved in that you’re proud of?
- What are the skills you’re hoping to gain that might help you to do that?
You can put your answers in writing, or in a video. Please note, answers should not exceed 100 words per question, or 4 minutes total for video submissions.
You will also be asked to provide contact details for a supporting recommendation, this can be from a range of people who know you, but they must not be a family member, nor be under 18 years old.
Examples could be a teacher, youth club worker, volunteer manager, sports club representative or personal advisor. Please make sure you have their permission before sharing their contact details.
Want to apply with a friend?
We are happy to accept applications in pairs, both of you will need to submit an application form (using the same answers if you wish) and just make sure you include your partner’s name in the space provided.
Applications are now open!
You have until Saturday 13 July 2019 to apply.
Does this opportunity sound right for you?
We are committed to making Rise Up as accessible as possible, however, you must fulfil the below requirements;
- You are aged 16-24*
- You are committed to attending the four training sessions in London over the course of one year and we cannot cover international travel (see here for dates)
- You are passionate about social change and human rights and have a particular issue that you would like to make a positive difference on
- You are committed to carrying out your Rise Up Action Plan when you have finished the course