“A new social innovation for change makers”

Attempting to solve the complex issues in modern society can be a daunting task, but Navodinee Wickramanayake, 22, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka, describes one woman’s efforts to provide inspiration and support to those trying to make a difference. 

Often times we look at the issues our society faces today and become overwhelmed by their complexity and the difficulties posed when trying to resolve them.

In the face of the sheer magnitude of these problems, even the most hopeful among us become passive observers to problems we might otherwise be able to solve on our own.

However, when one sees first hand some of the challenges we have to overcome, it is easy to see why people find it so difficult to try to make a positive social or environmental impact. One young South African, Courtney Gehle, is attempting – in her small way – to try to make the process of “making a difference” a little easier for people.

Courtney started “The Better Tomorrow Movement” (TBTM), which is an online platform created to inspire, empower and support people who want to have a positive impact.

“I wanted people to have the same inspiration that I have had, from the stories of the people I have met along my journey. This is where the whole idea came from,” Courtney said.

She initially wanted to share the stories of change makers to inspire other young people, but since then her project has grown into a toolkit for change making and was funded by Global Changemakers.

TBTM has a simple mission, which is to grow the movement of people who are working to create a better tomorrow. It works to equip people with some of the tools and skills necessary to help kick start or build projects and initiatives. Along with sharing inspiring stories, Courtney has since created a global mentorship network, the “Hand Up Programme”, that operates from the website, where people can sign up online to be mentored by young change makers from across the world. TBTM now also shares content aimed at skills development.

Work is underway to launch of the site in early October, and plans are that in its first year TBTM aims to pair at least twelve individuals with mentors through its “Hand Up Programme”. The program also hopes to have at least two initiatives or projects realised as a result of it.

Courtney hopes that, in the future, her project will grow to the point where TBTM is able to provide a range of services from toolkits to webinars and project consultancy.

“The only way any of us can have an impact is to do what we can, where we are, with what we have and I hope to make this a little easier for people by doing what I can, with what I have,” Courtney said.

The Better Tomorrow Movement is a project that could have great potential in an age where inaction has far reaching consequences. I am absolutely delighted to be a part of this incredible initiative as part of the TBTM team, and encourage everyone who is interested in making a difference to check out our website or follow us on social media to find out how you can create a better tomorrow.

Photo credits: top – Melissa_JMH Let it burn via photopin (license) lower – courtesy of Courtney Gehle
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About me: I am a Sri Lankan Global Changemakers Ambassador and a past delegate speaker for the Harvard Project for Asian and International relations. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Japan on a full scholarship and work as a Student Ambassador for my university.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/