The Power of Networks

The Experience of the International Youth Foundation

Peter Shiras

Mexico, September 20, 2010

Presented to the Youth Business International Global Forum

The IYF Global Network

• More than 200 organizations

• 75 countries

• Locally rooted, autonomous institutions

• A horizontal network

• Light governance system

• Common commitment to youth development

The IYF Global Network: Purpose

• Learn and Innovate: What works and what is new in youth development

• Promote Standards: Standards of excellence in youth programming, organizational development, governance, financial management and evaluation

• Advocate a Youth Agenda: The promise to provide platforms for youth voices and to advocate for youth issues in the larger development context

• Create Partnerships and Mobilize Resources: The potential to create or expand partnerships and mobilize resources to increase investments in and impact on young people

Network Map – Global Presence

Sub-Networks

Programs Stats Geographical Regional Focus

EEA 6 countries 46 partners

East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, Middle East/North Africa

Entra21 (Phase 1) 18 countries 32 partners

Latin America/Caribbean

EAYPI 3 countries 16 partners

Sub-Saharan Africa

Make a Connection 26 countries 28 partners

Europe, North America, LaC, East Asia/Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa

Global Fund for Youth Development

19 countries 33 partners

East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, Europe, Latin America/Caribbean

Entra 21 Network

Goal: To improve the employability of Latin American and Caribbean vulnerable youth to find productive jobs

Approach:

• Implement “dual-client model” to meet needs of youth and

employers.

• Life, ICT and technical skill training.

• Identify best practices

• Achieve scale and sustainability

• Rigorous and robust learning agenda

The entra21 learning network

• Common program/evaluation framework• Program design workshops• IYF-provided technical assistance• Online learning platform• Moderated virtual discussions• Learning workshops and conferences• Publications

For example…

• Establishing with apprenticeship programs

• Research by IYF staff

• Resources online for reference

• Moderated discussion with partners

• Sharing of solutions from partners

• IYF publication on good practices

Results from learning network

• Find solutions to challenges

• Continuous program improvement

• Identify best practices

• Support outreach to government

• Engagement with private sector

• Scale and sustainability