ybi global forum, monday: effective networks - peter shiras

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