The future feels uncertain and the challenges complex. And yet, there are extraordinary people who refuse to accept the status quo. People who are building something different, proving that another way is possible; where society is working together so that all young people can thrive.

For 14 years, Big Change has been finding and backing these leaders, who are closest to the problems. They are brave enough to imagine new systems rather than just patching up the old ones. What started as a belief has become a reality: more than 70 extraordinary leaders, whose work shows, in lived and practical ways, that change isn't just necessary, it's happening.

The leaders we've supported aren't waiting for permission. They're creating the conditions where young people can thrive: where they have purpose, agency, meaningful relationships, and the mindset to continue to stretch themselves and grow. And crucially, they're leading in a way that ensures change happens with, not to, young people and their communities.

Which brings me back to together, together. We recognise that Big Change is bigger than any leader, any organisation, any sector. It is going to take us working together. This next chapter is about what becomes possible when we connect these game-changing leaders and organisations to each other and a meaningful support ecosystem. To learn from each other, and champion systemic shifts as a collective force.

Our ambition remains steady. We will continue to back leaders with bold ideas that reshape systems with and for young people. At the same time, we are deepening our focus on building community and networks of support that can spark lasting change.

Bringing them together as a collective force will ensure they can influence systems in ways no single organisation can do alone. Together the insight and experience of these leaders and allies will champion the shifts needed in policy, funding, leadership support and evidence to ensure lasting systemic change.

We are grounding this next phase of our work in three connected pillars:

Find: identifying leaders closest to the problems, and intentionally reaching those who may not otherwise have access to funding, visibility or networks.

Connect: creating the conditions for collaboration, by bringing together leaders, partners, donors and global allies to deepen learning and amplify impact.

Champion: elevating the voices and experiences of leaders and young people, drawing attention to systemic gaps, advocating for better funding conditions, and championing leadership that is values-led, collective and sustainable.

We often describe ourselves as unashamedly hopeful. This hope is not abstract; it is sustained by the community that has formed around Big Change. Even in difficult moments, the moral leadership we witness in the people we work alongside continues to inspire us and show what is possible. They are offering glimpses of a different future, and it is an honour to support them in nurturing ideas that point the way forward.

We are deeply grateful to the leaders, partners, global collaborators and founders who have shaped our journey so far. This strategy represents both continuity and change. And we are excited to keep learning, connecting and building together, so that the work of brilliant changemakers imagining a better world for young people can take root and grow.

If our work sparks your curiosity we’d love you to get involved:

• Say hello to Hannah from our Partnerships team at hannah.p@big-change.org
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• Sign up to our newsletter.
• Donate.