YouthNet blog
An insight into youth issues, volunteering trends, charity life and more from the UK charity YouthNet
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Thursday Dec 21, 2006
Hoodies, Second Life and safeguarding: bring on 2007
The pre-Christmas sherry is making me a bit giddy. In a perfect, magical world, here's what's going to happen in 2007.Youth
John Reid comes to his senses, decides that perhaps young people aren't all evil good-for-nothing layabouts. He convinces his colleagues in parliament to adhere to the recommendations in the YouthNet/BYC Respect report. Political pressure on the tabloids also sees a change in the way young people are discussed in the media.
Meanwhile, instead of focusing on a minority of long-term unemployed, the government gets tough on wealthy tax-evaders and those behind dubious business deals.
Technology
Wi-fi enabled digital media players which can be used to seamlessly download subscribed podcasts and swap music and other media with friends arrive. And as pigs fly over Islington, a realisation from the music industry that fair pricing and DRM-free music will actually see their fortunes rise.
Virtual worlds don't become clones of the real world. Instead, a new ethos emerges online. These worlds don't duplicate rampant commercialisation and free-marketing; the residents of Second Life et al, foster a new culture of community and egalitarianism.
Volunteering
The mania around safeguarding and risk management subsides, enabling organisations to get on with recruiting, training and managing their volunteers. All those potential volunteers who were put off by overly-invasive checks now come forward, bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the organisations they volunteer with.
YouthNet
TheSite.org cements its position as the leading information and advice site for young adults. Partnerships with key youth media sees the site's reach explode. The drive to new platforms continues, as does the creation of useful, targeted content in text, audio and video formats.
do-it.org.uk continues to drag the volunteering world into new areas, making major strides in youth volunteering and virtual volunteering. Because of do-it and its partnerships, volunteering is easy to get involved with and just something people... do.
We move to new offices that match our growing ambitions and fancy lifestyles. Win loads of awards.
Charity World
A new three-year voluntary sector consultation committee is created... no, not really. What does happen is innovative, sustainable charities become better understood and respected. CSR money and public sector contracts go to organisations that do stuff rather than just talk about it (or document it). The public gain a better understanding of the breadth of voluntary sector organisations and don't just give all their money to saving kittens, babies and Top Gear presenters.
Happy New Year everyone.
Posted by Dom Waghorn ( 11:43 AM ) Link to this post Comments[0]