"If you are passionate about equality, solving issues, and making a measurable difference, then Changing Our World might be the perfect opportunity for you"

 Changing our World is our children and young people’s advisory group. The group sits at the heart of our work and by sharing their experiences, thoughts and passions, members make a real difference on key issues impacting the lives of children and young people across Scotland.

It is an exciting time for the group as we look for new members —an opportunity that only occurs every two years. Current member, Anna, has kindly shared her experiences of being part of Changing our World to help inform any other young people thinking of applying.

I have been a member of Changing Our World (CoW) for almost six years now, and my involvement in the group has been nothing short of incredible. Throughout my time in CoW, I have been given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of really valuable experiences.

First of all, I have been lucky enough to meet a variety of other Scottish young people from a range of different backgrounds, as well as different areas of the country. Working in the advisory group with my peers has been enlightening as each member has something different and useful to offer to the group and our projects. The contributions we make to the charity, in my opinion, support us to feel as though we are part of something bigger, hopefully improving the lives of children and young people in Scotland. The staff at Children in Scotland these past six years have played a hugely important role in assisting us in having our voices heard. They have encouraged us to share our views and have supported us incredibly to ensure we are comfortable to offer our viewpoints and opinions.

The opportunities I have been able to participate in as a result of being a member of Changing Our World have been invaluable to me. These experiences would likely have passed me by had I not been a member of CoW. From attending group meetings and zoom calls, to speaking with the key decision makers in the country, we have had countless opportunities to express our feelings on key issues that we would like to improve. I have attended meetings with MSPs to discuss key concerns for Scottish young people. On other occasions I have had the opportunity to sit in on interview panels for Children in Scotland and support in the decision-making process for positions within the charity.

Co-chairing Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference was another exciting experience I value. Additionally, I was able to take part in the planning and organisation of political hustings for Scottish elections, both for Children in Scotland itself and for other similar Scottish charities. These opportunities allowed me to converse with Scottish political party leaders and MSPs and have my voice heard by them, and more importantly have made me feel as though I can help my peers who have not been lucky enough to participate to also have their voices heard through me, and through Changing Our World as a group.

For any young person in Scotland that meets the age criteria and is interested in joining the group, I would fully recommend applying to join Changing Our World. If you are passionate about equality, solving issues, and making a measurable difference in our country and world, then Changing Our World might be the perfect opportunity for you. In the group we have focused on how we would tackle concerns ranging across a number of key focus areas including education, exams, period poverty, climate change and much more. For the young people in Scotland that are passionate about changemaking and having their say, then you might just be the perfect fit for Changing Our World.

Anna is currently a member of Changing our World. 

If you are interested in getting involved, check out our information sheet, and direct any questions to pshirazi@childreninscotland.org.uk