Inspired by his time volunteering overseas and tackling poverty in Bangladesh with Y Care International, Alex Edge was keen to work with young people on his return to the UK. This experience led him to become a Trustee at UK Youth.
Alex believes young people should always be involved in decisions that affect them.
Having volunteered in rural Bangladesh to improve education and gender equality, Alex knows how important it is for young people to engage with global issues. He says: “Our project was youth centred and youth led. The actions of the young people I worked with have really stuck with me.”
Opportunities at home
Alex and team at a Community Action Day in Bangladesh
Alex looked for opportunities online and quickly discovered UK Youth, a leading organisation in the UK youth work sector. Alex was drawn to UK Youth because they provide young people with opportunities that they may not usually have access to.
He says: “They believe every young person has a right to achieve their potential and I am an extremely strong believer in that: to be part of UK Youth’s vision is extremely exciting for me.”
“The world is becoming an increasingly hard place to be a young person and the challenges around the world are only intensifying.”
Youngest member on the board
As its youngest member, Alex knows he brings something unique to UK Youth’s Board. He says: “The fact that I’m a young person will help the Board to keep the young people they’re serving in mind.”
Youth trustees and youth panels are becoming more and more popular in the youth work and charity sector. Alex says: “I think it’s important for youth charities to remember the people they are serving and always evaluate whether they are doing their cause justice.”
He advises other young people to not be put off applying for similar opportunities. UK Youth was looking for people with extensive professional experience, but Alex didn’t let that put him off.
Alex says: “The fact you are a young person is a vital asset and you should utilise it! Also, never think that you will be out of your depth; most charities want to support and help your development in these roles.”
“By having young people included in the decision making processes they will ensure that the important decisions are made with young people in mind.” soured: VSO