ComMutiny - The Youth Collective

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 2 “Leaders aren’t born; they emerge from the fields of action, where learning meets purpose, and where dreams take root and grow into movements.” Such are the leaders who are shaping the youth work movement in India through tireless actions, driven by a shared purpose to create a 𝗝𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻—a world of self-aware, active citizens who don’t just advocate for change but embody it. Yesterday, inspired by The Commonwealth, we began the Youth Work Week by celebrating youth work practitioners within the ComMutiny-vartaLeap ecosystem from Northern India. Today, we take this celebration to more states… To the youth work practitioners across Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Rajasthan—you inspire us every day. Thank you! Stay tuned over the #YouthWorkWeek2024 to continue meeting youth work leaders from across the country! #CAYWA #CommonwealthYouth #YouthWork #CommonwealthYouthNetwork #Commonwealth #vartaLeap

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭 As a member of The Commonwealth we have always been inspired by their practice of celebrating Youth Work Week, by spotlighting youth work practitioners across Commonwealth nations. This year we decided to join the celebration with a special shout-out to the members of the ComMutiny-vartaLeap ecosystem. With over 250 youth-centric organizations from 20 states across India, we represent one of the largest youth work ecosystems in the country. These dedicated members have spent decades nurturing youth leadership in their communities, helping shape the broader youth work sector. Backed by this collective wisdom and experience, we're on a journey to create 𝗝𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻—a world of self-aware, active citizens who don’t just advocate for change but embody it. Today, we’re celebrating youth work practitioners from Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. We’re truly inspired by your work—THANK YOU! Stay tuned over the #YouthWorkWeek2024 to meet more youth work practitioners from across the country! #YearOfYouth #CommonwealthYouth #CommonwealthYouthProgramme #CommonwealthYouthNetwork #Commonwealth #CommonwealthSecretariat #CommonwealthDay

Want to connect more deeply with nature on your next hike, park stroll, or backyard adventure? Here are some apps and websites for you! Our approach to Climate Action has been that of #NourishingNow and what better way to do it than deepening our connection with nature? Here are some apps and websites shared by conservationist Sohail Madan to elevate your exploration! 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀: • 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻 & 𝗘-𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 (𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝘀): Snap a bird pic or record a call—Merlin identifies it instantly, while E-bird helps you log sightings and discover local bird hotspots. • 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗡𝗘𝗧 (𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽): If you’re drawn to bird sounds, BirdNET is a must. It identifies birds by their calls and songs, helping you tune into nature’s soundtrack in a whole new way. • 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 & 𝗫𝗲𝗻𝗼-𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼 (𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀): Discover bird profiles, photos, maps, and a vast open-access library of bird sounds—from common chirps to rare calls worldwide. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀: • 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 & 𝗘𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 (𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀): Explore India’s native plants with images, descriptions, and search options by type, color, or region. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀: • 𝗶𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 (𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽): Snap a picture of any animal, plant, or insect, and iNaturalist helps you identify it. You’ll also connect with a community of naturalists and scientists.  • 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀 (𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽): With Google Lens, your camera becomes an instant ID tool. Point it at a plant or animal, and it provides you with information, links, and more to expand your learning.  𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀: • 𝗜𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲): Dedicated to identifying India’s butterfly species, this resource offers photos, ranges, and habitats—perfect for exploring the vibrant world of butterflies. • 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲): Explore butterfly biology, behavior, and identification tips to enrich your butterfly-watching adventures.   • 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 (𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲): This website celebrates India’s butterflies through observation events and conservation tips, inviting everyone to participate in butterfly monitoring and protection. Links to these are shared in the comments. Have other go-to resources? Share in the comments to help grow this rewilding community! #Rewilding #Biodiversity #NourishingNow #ClimateChange #vartaLeap #EcologicalRestoration

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 It means having the space to talk, reflect, make mistakes and learn from them even as one navigates the exciting and challenging journey of becoming a leader. That's what enables young people to bring their vision of social change to reality. Aman Mishra and Nancy Rai, are two such youth leaders from Indore who have taken charge of realising their vision of quality education for all. As part of the Peer Tutor Initiative, supported by ZVC India CSR, they are tackling foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) gaps among adolescent girls by offering free remedial classes. Their passion and commitment is shared by 34 other young changemakers in Lucknow and Indore. By leading peer-learning sessions, they are not only empowering adolescent girls with critical skills, but also growing as mentors and changemakers themselves. Recently, their efforts earned them and Had-Anhad (social impact organisations nurturing young leaders like them) well-deserved recognition at Shiksha Samvaad (by Shikshagraha), celebrating their dedication and leadership in driving educational equity. This award is a celebration of the self and social transformation that happens when young people lead. Do you know more young leaders like Aman and Nancy? Tag them or share their stories in the comments, and let’s celebrate them together! #YouthLeaders #EducationEquity #YoungChangeMakers #Jagriks Kanika Sinha Shilpa Jhawar Had-Anhad Vishakha Tak Kuldeep Sikarwar Shikshagraha

"𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱. 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲." – 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗶 In the spirit of Rumi’s poetic wisdom, we invite all youth allies, those directly or indirectly engaging with young people—to reimagine a field where youth leadership can flourish, free from judgment. • 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁: What would it mean to create a future where youth leadership is not the exception but the rule? • 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 the power of a leadership that is inclusive, imaginative, and guided by the spirit of curiosity and collaboration. • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 how we can shift from a paradigm of “right and wrong” to one that celebrates ambiguity, complexity, and courage. • 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 about the barriers that prevent youth leadership from thriving and how you can play a part in removing them. Share your voice, your experience, and the inspired action you have taken to address the above.

Are you an artist? Let's create something exciting together! We are looking for 2 artists to join us for a project. This engagement will be on a consultancy basis: 1. 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫/𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 who can animate short-form videos and reels 2. 𝐖𝐞𝐛 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 who can design flip books and create interactive web pages Experience: Between 2-8 years. Timeline: 3 months (we prefer artists who aren't overly booked) Project details: Will be shared one-on-one if the portfolio is selected Remuneration: In alignment with market rate and experience Share your work portfolio at 𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢@𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲.𝐢𝐧 (You will hear back from us within one week of your application. Apologies in advance if you don't. We are a small team and can only respond to those shortlisted.) #hiring #illustrators #webdesigners #lookingforartists

“We continue to invest in organisations like ComMutiny, because it has changed the narrative of how we see young people. Youth aren't beneficiaries anymore. We now see them as changemakers.” - Brigitte Mandelartz, Programme Officer, Misereor   Last week, we hosted one of our oldest ally and supporter, Brigitte from Misereor.   Misereor was one of the first international organisations who started investing in youth work in India. Their support wasn't limited to thematic work. It was aimed at nurturing youth leadership and reaching the most vulnerable and marginalised young people in the country.   We are proud to have them as one of our strongest supporters for 16 years and counting!   With our partners in Delhi - Pravah, Manzil Mystics Foundation, TYCIA Foundation, IYRC NGO and COHAS ( Community of Hope and Support), we were able to create a space for Brigitte to witness and experience the power of youth work and collective building that Misereor supports us to do.   Grateful to Brigette and everyone who made the time to join us - Ankush Preeti Arya Eleena George Sanjay Hari Rajesh Nandan Singh Meher Ankush Thakur Gayatri G. Zohran Jilani Sukannyaa Lahon and others!

“As a journalist, I will visibilise stories of youth leaders who are bringing positive change in their communities.” Adil Hasaan, Senior Reporter, Dainik Jagran, Ranchi. This is what experiencing youth leadership in action did! Last week, at the Q-ki Championship Grand Finale, we saw 20 youth leaders from Ranchi, West Singhbhum and Giridih bring their imaginative ideas for solving their community problems. Inspired by their passion and commitment, 40+ stakeholders deliberated on their own commitments to promoting youth leadership in their spaces of influence. Co-hosted with Pratigya, a long-standing partner and convener of the Jharkhand Youth Collective, this was first of the many regional dialogues to happen in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates on the ‘Beyond Right & Wrong – a varta-Leap’ - a series of regional dialogues across the country to address the ‘wicked challenges’ that prevent youth centric-development.

Our story of the year gone by - fueled by 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐨-𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞! Last year was a significant one for us. Our ecosystem of youth allies grew stronger. We created more enabling spaces for youth leaders. And we reached a wide audience of global and Indian stakeholders to inspire them to see youth leadership as a key imperative. Heartfelt gratitude to each of our ecosystem members, partners, funders, youth workers, and incredible youth leaders, including our beautiful team at ComMutiny— everyone we have shared and continue to share this journey with! None of this would be possible without you. Backed by this collective experience and wisdom, we continue to pursue our audacious goal of influencing everyone to see themselves as a youth ally, because youth leadership, we believe, is a GAME CHANGER. Read about all of this and more in our 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 2023-2024, which has been beautifully illustrated by the incredibly talented Indrajit Sinha! #ComMutiny #Collective #Jagrik #YouthLeadership #vartaLeap #AnnualReport

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗹: 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! Changelooms Chaupal is a space where young climate entrepreneurs engage in collective dialogue with thematic experts in the climate sector. It's an opportunity to learn from these experts as they share their entrepreneurial journeys, discuss their challenges and successes, and explore possibilities for collaboration and collective impact in the climate space. At our last Chaupal, 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 highlighted the importance of doing things for oneself, rather than proving oneself to others. By combining traditional practices with modern agricultural knowledge, and with the support of his community and his 'green commandos,' Samir successfully developed a food forest—demonstrating the strength of community-led efforts. In the upcoming Chaupals, we are excited to have: •⁠  ⁠Inir Pinheiro, CEO of Grassroutes Journey, on 𝟭9 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿. With over 15 years of experience in the social sector, Inir will lead a dialogue on experiential learning, responsible tourism, and building ventures that balance financial, social, and environmental sustainability. •⁠  ⁠Manu Gupta, CEO of SEEDS, on 𝟭𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, who will bring his expertise in disaster resilience and community-driven development into the conversation. These dialogues take place every third Saturday of the month. If you're interested in participating in these discussions, please share in the comments, and the team will reach out. You can also register through the link shared in the comments. #ChangeloomsChaupal #ClimateEntrepreneurship #YouthLeadership #Sustainability #CollectiveDialogue #Onlinedialogue #YouthLeadershipinClimateAction