What exactly is the Academy?
The Academy of Agents of Change was specifically designed so that young social entrepreneurs can have experiences that will clarify their own personal visions on what they can do for a sustainable future in their communities. Thanks to Lonesome George & Co.'s unique MIND, SHIFT, IMPACT approach to creating social change, the Academy of Agents of Change is made up of six modules that combine Outward Bound's Experiential Learning methodology and Ashoka's Social Entrepreneurial Youth Venture Program. The objective is that our participants learn valuable first-hand lessons in their way to becoming Agents of Change to impact their local communities. The Academy is currently taking place in The Galapagos Islands with Youth from Puerto Ayora's community.Who is an Agent of Change?
An Agent of Change is a person who is aware that his/her decisions have direct consequences in their local communities. Is aware that he/she is vital part of the system in which he/she lives, and being so, can influence it positively through dreaming, creating and sharing his/her creativity with their communities.Georgina Marten
Director Academy Of Agents Of Change What does the Academy programming look like?
Module 1: Discovering Myself
Dates: February 21-24Location: Island of Isabela, Galapagos Archipelago
Our participants learned leadership capabilities while exploring the incredible natural surroundings of the island of Isabela. Through these experiences they also increased their levels of self-confidence and environmental consciousness while gaining insight on their own process of self-discovery.
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Module 2: Finding my Voice
Dates: March 21-24Location: Island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Archipelago
Participants have began to formulate their own social initiatives while learning important communication skills regarding their interests and listening empathetically to the interests of the other Agents of Change. This newly acquired knowledge helped them understand the significance of Lonesome George & Co.'s unique MIND, SHIFT, IMPACT approach to social change.
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Module 3: I am my Community
Dates: April 19-21Location: Isabela Island, Galapagos Archipelago
Throughout this module on Isabela, participants worked hard on developing their individual social initiatives while learning the importance of systemic thinking. They became aware of the importance of being part of a social and environmental system, while they gained a sense of personal responsibility towards the community of their neighboring island.
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Module 4: Finding my Passion
Dates: May 16-20Location:Outward Bound Ecuador Campus. Ibarra - Ecuador
We will travel to mainland Ecuador to visit the main campus of Outward Bound Ecuador. Situated two hours from Quito, this campus was specifically designed for participants to live experiences taking them beyond their comfort zones. Over a five day period, the group will have extraordinary adventures helping them along the road to becoming Agents of Change through becoming aware of their own emotions, acknowledging their fears and committing to their individual social initiatives. Parallel to these experiences, participants learn about financing their initiatives, project sustainability, and fundraising ideas.
Module 5: Setting up my Dream
Dates: June 20-24Location: Island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Archipelago
Participants will conclude with concrete preparations for their initiatives. Through team strengthening exercises participants will learn public speaking tips that they can put to use when presenting their initiatives to their communities. They will also study publicity stunts and marketing ideas that can be applied to pitch their initiatives. They will further gain new insights on organizing their initiatives with financial bases and how to follow through on budget management.
Module 6: Presenting my Initiative
Dates: July 18-21Location: Island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Archipelago
This last module represents the culmination of all the five previous modules. After acquiring the necessary tools and having had all the learning experiences concerning leadership qualities, communication strategies and a systemic perspective to social change, our Agents of Change will present their initiatives to a panel of community leaders from Santa Cruz Island who have the potential to help fund their ideas and bring them to fruition.
Once the Outward Bound and Ashoka Youth Venture program is complete, and after presenting their social initiatives, each Agent of Change, with the support of the program, will venture into launching and running their initiatives till the end of the year and achieving the social impact they sought.
