Open to Central Okanagan youth in grades In cooperation with. For more info:

Transcription

1 2018 Open to Central Okanagan youth in grades 8-12 In cooperation with For more info:

2 2 Table of Contents 1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals? What is the Sustainable Development Challenge? Basic steps to entering the Challenge What is the Prize for the Sustainable Development Challenge? WHO can participate in the Sustainable Development Challenge? When and where is the Sustainable Development Challenge?.5 7. Benefits of entering the Sustainable Development Challenge? Choosing an NGO/charity partner for the Sustainable Development Challenge? Mentorship opportunities with the Sustainable Development Challenge Judging Criteria Abstract information and Submission application Contact Information and Global Citizen Events info...14 Appendix: Student Team Application (Indication of Interest ) DUE November 3, 2017

3 3 1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals? On September 25th 2015, the 197 member countries of the United Nations adopted a set of goals to: End Poverty, Protect the Planet, & Ensure Prosperity for All. These are THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS As part of a new sustainable development agenda, ( the 17 goals have specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals ( ) and complete what they did not achieve. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. For the goals to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and people like you. Canada has signed on to advance the goals so everyone needs to do their part. Global Citizen Events is encouraging everyone in the Central Okanagan to take a part and especially YOUTH Which number most motivates YOU? There are 17 to choose - yet they are all connected!

4 4 2. What is the Sustainable Development Challenge (SDC)? The Sustainable Development Challenge is a public engagement event that was introduced to bring awareness to the Sustainable Development Goals and to move students from the theoretical to the practical regarding their ability to act on them. In the school classroom, students may participate in discussions and debates regarding the SDGs. After hours, students may be involved in volunteering with various charities that ignite their passion to do something. How do we bring these two together? This is the goal of the SDC! How do the SDGs apply to what is being done through local organizations and how can student teams highlight and expand on them? More than philosophical exercises that may lack any tangible results or personal investment, the SDC challenges students to work as a team to present their ideas of how they would spend the first place prize money to help reach one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Although the students receive recognition and a great experience, the winners are not so much the students as it is the projects they have advocated! The prize money goes to the charity hosting the project and students are able to see the project they advocated for become a reality! In some cases, students will implement the plans as volunteers themselves or know their efforts have enabled the project to be completed. The Sustainable Development Challenge helps youth and the community around them, get involved in actually addressing these urgent needs from a local perspective. 3. Basic steps to the Challenge: 1. Register for the challenge Apply Now online and tell us; Which SDG# you are most passionate about and why? What would you like to accomplish with this challenge? Deadline for applications NOV.3 ( 2. Assemble your dynamic team! Groups must be no more than six students in grades 8-12 in the Central Okanagan. An adult sponsor must be found to supervise the presentation and be in attendance at the SDC. 3. Determine the NGO/CSO you wish to work with by finding them on your own or by attending our NGO/CSO Meet and Greet Night October OC Atrium (kind of like shopping for the perfect business partner) where we will assemble some amazing locally based organizations for you to work with. Make sure that they are a registered Canadian charity. (See Section 8 of handbook) 4. Attend our Mentorship night where we will bring together some our cities finest experts for you to connect with. (Kind of like speed dating for the best advice!) They will be an important part of your success. 5. Follow the Challenge Criteria (see Section 10 of handbook) Working with your chosen charity and with consultation with other community mentors, each student team creates a $5000 project proposal. The proposal must specifically address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Formulate and submit your Abstract by Jan. 12 th (see handbook sec. 11)

5 5 6. Watch for notification whether or not your team is moving to the next level. The top teams are chosen to pitch their proposal at the Challenge in February If successful, this will mean a chance to compete for the $5000 prize money. Your team will a) Finalize the formal written project based on your abstract and submit to judges (one week before the challenge) b) Prepare a live creative interpretation of your project to be performed at the Sustainable Development Challenge in February in front of judges and an audience. 4. What is the prize for the SDC? $5000 will be awarded to the charity of the team with the best overall project. Other prizes and awards may be given. Although the students receive recognition and a great experience, it is the charity hosting the project, which receives the dollars. 5. Who can participate in the SDC? The SDC is open to youth in grades 8-12 in the Central Okanagan. Students may participate in groups of 2 to 6 members. The SDC does not have to be school-based and can include service groups and youth leadership clubs or committees. 6. Where & when does the SDC take place? Preparation for the SDC takes time & effort but it is so worth it! All forms and Applications can be found on our website and are open NOW! Early applicants have the best advantages. October 25, 2017: Introduction to potential NGO/CSO partners: 12-5 pm Okanagan College Atrium November 3, 2017: Deadline for Application/Letter of Intent (online) Mid November: Mentorship Meet and Greet: details sent to applicants January 12 th: Abstract due: Mid January: The projects chosen to move forward will be notified Mid February: Final written projects submitted to judges Late February: The Sustainable Development Challenge Presentation Night 7. Benefits of taking the Sustainable Development Challenge a) ENLIGHTENED - Students will leave the SDC enlightened about local and global issues and empowered about how each of us can make a difference. b) ENCOURAGED - Students will be encouraged by meeting hundreds of like-minded youth and adults who are eager to take on the challenge of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

6 6 c) EMPOWERED - Past winners of the MDC (which preceded the SDC prior to 2015) have mentioned that they received an incredible sense of empowerment by making a concrete contribution to the urgent social issues. And even more potential benefits! d) The SDC makes a great addition to Socials Studies and a number of high school humanities, economics and arts courses. With the new BC curriculum, students may be eligible to receive actual course credit for completion of the SDC. e) In researching a suitable project to present, students will be educated about local NGOs and will be encouraged to get involved in volunteer activities. This can lead to work experience and qualify for Career and Personal Planning hours necessary for high school graduation. f) Students learn to write grant proposals, and hone their oral presentation skills very useful skills in the world of post-secondary education. g) Grade 12 students can use their SDC experience to support their application service awards, scholarships, and bursaries. 8. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) a) What is an NGO? Also known as a CSO A non-governmental organization (NGO) or becoming known more recently as a Civil Society Organization (CSO), is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. NGOs/CSOs associated with the SDC are the local and locally-based international organizations which are on-the-ground working with people and hosting projects to accomplish specific goals. Because the SDGs are universal most organizations have at least one of the SDG 17 goals as their focus. (Whether they realize it or not ) For the purposes of the SDC, the NGO/CSO must also be a registered Canadian charity (able to issues income tax receipts to the sponsors of the prizes). b) Working with an NGO/CSO When a student team is interested in applying for the SDC, they must choose a charitable NGO/CSO to work with and then a particular project within that charity to promote for the $5000 prize. There will be an information night inviting NGOs/CSOs to attend so students can meet those best aligned with their particular passion and skills. What are your passions? Which organization best reflects your team? How inviting is the organization for you to become involved? Will you receive the support you need from them to create a winning presentation for the SDC? These are the questions to be asked when considering the NGO/CSO to be highlighted at the SDC. You may adapt one of the charity s current projects seeking funding, or preferably create a new project specific to the SDC that is supported by the NGO. There are many NGOs/CSOs registered in Canada, (able to issue tax receipts) but for the SDC, the requirement is that it must be either a locally based or locally working charity. (What they do is done here in the Okanagan OR what

7 7 they do is international but they have representation in the Okanagan). The charitable work they do must directly impact one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals. Likely, students are already familiar with a number of NGOs/CSOs but they may want to look a little further to find the best fit. Things to note when approaching NGOs: Does the NGO/CSO have status as a registered Canadian charity? Does the NGO/CSO work directly in the Okanagan or do they have a local office for their international work? Will the NGO/CSO provide the necessary guidance to support the students? Will they encourage students to receive mentorship from other community members as well? How does the project fit in with the Sustainable Development Goals? How will the prize money be used? Make sure that the funding can fulfill the requirements of the project. c) How are the NGOs/CSOs involved in the SDC? NGOs are the fortunate recipients of the awarded funding. The SDC prize is awarded to the winning project! charitable donation will be made to the NGO/CSO to implement the winning project presented at the SDC. A The NGO/CSO may recruit students, especially those currently volunteering with them, to participate in the SDC. The NGO/CSO is responsible for providing the student clear information and to work alongside the student in preparing a winning presentation- but not to do the work for them! The NGO/CSO is responsible to ensure that the project being promoted at the SDC has approval from their own board of directors and will be eligible for expenditure of charitable funds. If an NGO chosen by the winning team is not a registered Canadian charity, the awarded prize donation cannot be given. d) What you can expect from your NGO When students are choosing an NGO and project, it is important that the NGO is aware that there is an expectation to provide some guidance to the students. The NGO is potentially a recipient of a generous donation and a new project, and as such, should be prepared to spend some time with the students, providing input and guiding them as required. They should assist them and encourage them in selecting/creating a project that is in need, sustainable and able to be accomplished with the amount of the first place prize donation. It is important, however that the ideas and plan come from the student teams. 9. Mentors. You can t do this alone! a) What is a mentor? You and your team may have the ideas and the passion and even the skills, but it s always a good idea to check in with the experts. There are many people in our community who will help you champion your cause by sharing their own expertise in certain areas. Your parents, teachers, neighbours, local business people, philanthropists, artists and

8 8 many others are potential mentors for your team. Even if you have some of your own mentors, there will be a scheduled Mentorship meet and greet night, which will provide meeting opportunities for you to ask questions and get advice from local experts about different aspects of your project. Come prepared! Your time will be limited! b) How can a mentor help? In different sections of your project, you may find you need some guidance. ie: in the financial portion where you need to know how to make the project grow, or in the media component where you might need some help with connections or creation, or in the creative presentation you may seek the advice of the arts dept. at your school. Think of those around you that can offer advice. The SDC team will provide opportunities for you to come and meet experts in our community. Plan ahead of time what you want to ask them and be prepared to listen and engage with them. You are encouraged to create a relationship with them beyond the meeting to seek their advice and encouragement throughout the process. It will be a requirement that some or all of your team members attend the mentorship meet up night. 10. Judging Criteria for Students creating a SDC project: The challenge students face in the SDC is to demonstrate how they could help a local or locally based charity make significant progress toward one of the Sustainable Development Goals by spending the awarded funds. First place prize of $5000 goes to the group that convinces the panel of judges that they can get the most bang for their bucks. This is no easy task, and that s where the challenge part comes in! Proposals will include: (Judges will grade each written part out of 100 points and the presentation out of 30 points) Summary of your project (20 points) " Give a clear explanation of your project. " Why did you choose it? " Demonstrate your understanding of the SDGs and their importance. " Which SDG(s) does your project address? Use of Team-Building as part of the SDC preparation (10 points) " Explain your team members; their contributions, special roles or talents and how you worked together. Did you encourage a diverse team? " Did anyone go beyond the scope of the project? i.e.: volunteering, plans to work with NGO after the Challenge?

9 9 The Role of your NGO (10 Points) " Which NGO is your partner? How are they aligned with your goals and values? " Demonstrate your knowledge of the work they do. " Explain the nature of your team s relationship with the NGO and explain how they supported your project. Use of Mentors (10 Points) " Did at least one team member attend the Mentorship night? Document your time there. " Who were your mentors in this project and how did you meet them? " Explain their role in supporting this project. Project Awareness (1o Points) " Did you use at least one social platform to bring awareness to the larger community about your project and cause before the challenge night? i.e.: social media, interviews by local media, information events in the school or community setting? " Did it impact your project? Explain Sustainability (10 points) " Explain how your project is economically sustainable. How will the project live on? " Show your consideration for the environmental impact and sustainability? Is the technology used appropriate for the cultural and economic context? " Is there community buy-in? Are locals involved & ready to carry on the project even if you leave? Geographic Awareness of specific country or local/regional context (10 points) " Demonstrate your understanding of the physical geography including climate, terrain and geographical logistics of the area. " Show that you are aware of the economic Geography considered infrastructure or lack of " Have you considered the political situation? possible volatility of the region or political correctness affecting growth

10 10 Cultural Sensitivity (10 points) " Demonstrate that the people of the area would be consulted and would be in support of the idea " How have differing belief systems been taken into account? " Have you given local people leadership roles in the project? Budgeting and Accountability (10 points) " Give cost estimates for the project as specifically and accurately as possible. " Show how you will use the prize money $5000) efficiently to complete the project " Give realistic figures of the impact of the project (i.e. number of people you can help) " Create a timeline for the use of the funding. Presentation (30 points) The written proposal is only half of the equation. Judges will be looking at how each team represents the people/cause they are working for in a creative, thoughtful, well rehearsed presentation. In front of a full audience your will have 10 minutes to ignite passion, cultivate awareness and ultimately be the voice of your potential recipient. Think outside the box for this part. Using the varied talents of your team, incorporate multimedia, live music, drama, slam poetry, flash mobs, anything that gets the message of your project out to the audience and judges in a creative, moving and entertaining way. " The presentation is a creative interpretation of the project delivered within the 10 minute time frame " Does the voice of the potential recipients come through in a creative manner? " Is the audience moved and inspired by the presentation? " Does the audience have a clear understanding of what the project is and what its target goal is? Scoring System: 9-10 Outstanding! This group went above and beyond in this category! 7-8 Very Good! This group did a great job in this category! 5-6 Average. This group was fairly strong in this category. 3-4 More information needed. This group did not put enough thought/research into this category. 0-2 Not addressed. This group did not address this category. 11. Abstract - (due January 12 th 2018) The Abstract is a general plan of your project based on the listed criteria (see section 10). Point form is acceptable and it is understood that all portions may not be finalized at this point. All sections should be addressed, however, even if they are in planning stages The Abstract will be judged to determine which teams will move forward to present in the SDC. The Organizer will review the Abstracts with a screening committee to short list the applicants.

11 11 A maximum # of entries will be selected and the organizer should then notify the teams that they are in the SDC finals. Dates and details of timing will be forwarded to the teams. Notifications will be sent to the teams who did not qualify for the SDC. All will be welcome at the finals of the Sustainable Development Challenge! See next page for application of the Abstract

12 In collaboration with teachers and community members presents: Central Okanagan Students Challenge the Community with the Sustainable Development Goals Abstract of Group Presentation: Abstract Due: January 12, 2018 The purpose of this abstract is to assess potential candidates for the Sustainable Development Challenge (SDC) to be held in February. The following abstract of your group s presentations will be used by SDC organizers to choose a maximum # of teams who will present their group s plan to address the Sustainable Development Goals at the Challenge. This abstract must be ed as an attachment or faxed by midnight January 12th. Directions for submissions will be sent to registered applicants closer to the date. RULES: 1. NO PLAGIARISM No copying of any existing materials in any form of print or media including web pages, video clips, film, etc. 2. GROUPS Groups must consist of 2 to 6 students in grades 8 to 12. They may be school or inter-school groups or groups from a particular organization or charity so long as the ages are within the grade category. 3. TIME Each group will be given exactly 10 minutes to present. Groups will be given a warning at 9 minutes that they have 1 minute left. Set up and take-down are not included in the 10 minutes and teams are allowed a maximum of 5 minutes in total. 4. TECHNOLOGY Each group is responsible for all technical aspects of their presentation (ie. ensuring that video clips work appropriately). Student groups are asked to come with their own laptop and a backup of their presentation on a flash drive. 5. MENTORS If a team does not have at least one mentor to assist in the various aspects of preparing your proposal, you may request one from our list of community leaders. Request as early as possible & no requests after January 15 th 6. NGO Each NGO must be registered as a Canadian charitable organization or the prize money cannot be awarded. GROUP LEADER NAME: ADDRESS: CELL PHONE CONTACT:

13 13 Names of Group Members other than leader (groups can be no larger than 6 students): NAME CONTACT CELL PHONE CONTACT Title of Group Presentation: Include with the above: a written abstract of your project in digital format. Be sure that it is based on the Judging Criteria found in section 10 of online handbook

14 Contact Information: Global Citizen Events Joyce Brinkerhoff (General inquiries & sponsorship) Carmen Denby (SDC coordinator) Rawle James (Mentorship) Harmeet Pakkar (teacher advisor) works in collaboration with SD #23, private & home schools to host the SDC. Global Citizen Kelowna, formed by a group of concerned citizens in 2003, has a two-pronged objective for public engagement activities: 1. to create awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations and which require all governments, NGOs and Civil Society organizations to align within their principles. 2. to promote local organizations which are active in trying to reach one or more of the SDGs and which provide opportunities for others to become involved. In order to fulfill this double objective, GCK organizes annual Global Citizen Events. Usually held in late February, a series of public engagement events are hosted by a variety of international development agencies, university and school-based programs, local service clubs, and cultural groups based in the Okanagan all collectively seeking to raise awareness about they are doing to reach the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Global Citizen Events has grown to include seven major events. These include: a) the Speaker Series (featured guest speaker combined with a global marketplace) b) Global Children s Village (geared for young families) c) Global School House (open to grade six students) d) Artists Eye on the World (arts, drama and photography focus) e) Global Music Fest (young adult focus) f) Taste of Home (cultural food and ethnic celebration) g) The Sustainable Development Challenge (currently open to youth in the Okanagan attending grades 8-12) The Sustainable Development Challenge is the signature senior event of Global Citizen Week and is designed specifically for and with student involvement. For more information check out our website

15 Application YES, I am interested in participating in the Challenge! My Name: Grade: School: My contact My teacher and contact Note: This is an application to be part of the Challenge. We want to get an idea of what you are planning! We can t wait to see what you will do! Congratulations on taking the first step. 1. Do you know which of the 17 SDGs you plan to focus on? If so, which one? 2. Do you know which other students will be on your team? 3. Do you know which charity you will partner with to create your Challenge proposal? YES NO (There will be a Meet and Greet info session in October so you can meet various charities) In November there will be a Meet and Greet with potential community mentors. They will come alongside you to create a dynamic proposal. Send to executivedirector@globalcitizenkelowna.org