Laura Gabe – Development Coordinator – Non-Executive Director – Age 24
The increased press around the Tate Board announcement and its new young people programme allows us to remind Charities why it is so important to engage young people! Reach Volunteering explained that Charities benefit from Young Trustees as they can: provide a different insight, new ideas and perspective, engage younger people with the charity’s activities, provide useful insight on beneficiary needs and experience, bring enthusiasm to the role and are often keen to develop their existing skills.
Rising Arts Agency, for which I am the Non-Executive Director and Co-Creator has always ensured that it is led by young people. Since the launch of the Youth Advisory Board in 2016, now 64% of Rising’s leadership is under 25! It really is an organisation with young people at its heart. On the flip side, young people gain invaluable skills development in leadership, finance management, confidence and charity sector and business knowledge. Encouraging young leaders to take ownership of their skills and positions as Trustees allows them to engage on a more impactful level and gives them a step up for future employment opportunities.
With 29.43% of the UK population under the age of 25 – lets utilise them and train them to become the leaders of the future! Resources such as the Charities Commission’s checklist on Finding and Supporting Young Trustees have given organisations no excuse for not engaging young people.