Green Influencers
Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, skills and ideas to change the world today.
However, only 4 in 10 young people that want to take part in youth social action, actually do. In disadvantaged communities this figure is even lower. Most young people just need the opportunity to take part.
The Green Influencers scheme helps many young people take part in social action for the first time and empowers them to build lasting connections to the natural environment that improve their health and well-being.
What is the Green Influencers scheme?
The pioneering, country-wide Green Influencers scheme funds 40 Green Mentors based at organisations across England, supporting groups of young ‘Green Influencers’ in their environmental social action projects.
The scheme is funded by The Ernest Cook Trust, the #iwill Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, and The Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport.
Why is Green Influencers important?
The Green Influencers Scheme supports young people to create deep, lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment. With the support of YDMT’s Green Mentor, Rosie, they will learn new skills that will inspire them to lead the way as ‘Green Influencers’ in their communities.
We support young people to develop a range of leadership skills through exploring, creating and leading on environmental projects. This means they’ll be more likely to continue to engage in social action in the future, becoming role models in their communities and inspiring others to take part.
By meeting regularly with other like-minded people, our Green Influencers make friends, build confidence, and feel less isolated. Not only that, they can also connect with other Green Influencers from across England, to create positive social change in their communities and beyond.
Meet Rosie – YDMT’s Green Mentor!
Rosie (on the right) is YDMT’s Green Mentor and it’s her job to engage and support Green Influencers in the Yorkshire Dales and its surrounding towns and cities. With Rosie’s guidance and support, young people will develop their own ideas and projects that help make positive changes in their communities. That might be anything from planting trees, and creating wildlife patches to community recycling schemes, eco campaigns, and environmental events.
Together Rosie and our Green Influencers will deliver at least twelve projects that will protect and enhance the local environment and help tackle climate change.
How to become a Green Influencer
If you’d like to do something positive for the environment, but you don’t know where to start, Green Influencers could be for you!
We’re looking for young people aged from 11 to 14-years-old in the Yorkshire Dales area, as well as surrounding communities, including Bradford, Blackburn, Darwen and Leeds.
If you are a young person or you know someone who might be interested, or perhaps you’re a teacher, community or youth leader, please get in touch with Rosie to find out more, email rosie.russellcohen@ydmt.org
More opportunities for young people
Green Guardians
Green Guardians provides inspirational experiences and practical skills to groups who would not usually get the opportunity to connect with the natural environment.
Green Futures
We are committed to making sure every young person is supported and empowered to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and wider society.
Rural Apprenticeships
Rural Apprenticeships give young people who live in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas the chance to stay here and gives them skills to help care for this special area.
