• What is the Open Call to Teenagers?

The Open Call to Teenagers is an open call to the young people of Ireland. We are looking for young people’s ideas about how to tackle the problems in our communities as a result of coronavirus. No idea is too big or too small!

Nurses, shop workers, doctors, cleaners, carers, businesses, communities  and families are coming together across Ireland to do everything they can to tackle coronavirus - now we are asking young people to come up with ideas for how to tackle the challenges they see in their own homes and communities.

The ideas with the highest potential for impact will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of leaders from across business, NGO and Government.

• Why did we launch the Open Call to Teenagers?

YSI recently carried out a survey on how young people in Ireland are coping in the midst of Covid-19, in collaboration with Amarach Research. The survey found that, while many young people are anxious and worried at this time, almost 70 per cent of young people are optimistic that society will change for the better in the aftermath of coronavirus.

As well as this, 52 per cent of those surveyed having a desire to help, or are already helping in their community. Coronavirus is changing our society, and we want to give young people a platform to be part of that change.

Read the Covid-19 Youth 'Check-In' Survey Report.

• How do I get started?

Sign up now to register to take part.

When you sign up, we will send you a Open Call to Teenagers Resource Pack to help you think about and develop your idea. We'll send you weekly emails with tips and invite you to online support sessions if you'd like some help.
 

• How does the Open Call to Teenagers work?

Sign up now to register to take part.

When you sign up, we will send you a Open Call to Teenagers Resource Pack to help you develop your ideas.

Ideas must be submitted by Sunday 31st May 2020.

YSI will feature a range of ideas on our website and social media.

Everyone who submits an idea will receive a certificate to recognise their contribution to their community during the Coronavirus Pandemic 2020. 

The ideas with the highest potential for impact will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a digital pitch panel of leaders from across business, NGOs, media and Government. This will be an opportunity to get feedback on your idea to get advice on how to make your idea a reality.

Everyone who is selected to present to the digital panel will be supported to prepare their pitch by the YSI team.
 

• What kind of ideas are we looking for?

This is up to you! 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has changed the way we live, work, learn, connect, communicate, travel and care for each other. We know that young people have plenty of ideas about how to tackle these challenges in new and creative ways.  

Look around your home, your family, your community and see what has changed because of coronavirus. What is working? What is not working? What is bothering you? What can YOU do to help?

The Open Call to Teenagers Resource Pack contains some activities that will help you to think about issues that you might like to tackle. If you’re not sure where to start, you might consider an idea under one of the following themes: 

• Who can take part?

Anyone aged between 13-19 can take part.

If you have an idea about how to tackle the challenges that coronavirus is causing in your community, we want to hear from you.
 

• Can I enter on my own or with a team?

You can take part on your own, with friends/family or with your class.

You can also enter with a current or previous YSI team if you are on one.

If taking part in a team, be sure to follow HSE guidelines. You can create a virtual team and use the Open Call as a reason to connect with friends around a purpose.

• I am a teacher, how can I get my class involved?

If you are an educator, you can register your class as a virtual team for the Open Call. When signing up, please enter 'Teacher' instead of an age so we can identify school-based teams.

• When does my idea need to be submitted by?

The deadline for the Open Call to Teenagers is Sunday 31st May 2020.

You can sign up any time to get started and you’ll receive your Open Call to Teenagers Resource Pack as well as support from the YSI team if you need it. Sign up now.
 

• What kind of help can I get from Young Social Innovators (YSI)?

YSI’s team is here to help you throughout the challenge which runs from 20th April to 31st May.

You can email us anytime with your questions to educate@youngsocialinnovators.ie. We will also be running weekly Instagram sessions for those taking part which you will be invited to once you sign up. Sign up here.

Open Call to Teenagers is supported by: