Overview

The Social Impact Accelerator is designed for emerging leaders who are poised to take their ideas for a better world and push them forward. We are looking for individuals and teams who have big ideas and who will benefit from joining a community who will support their growth and are excited about learning about new tools and resources.

Sound like you? Take the Chapter Leader Eligibility Quiz!

Details

What is the Chapter Accelerator?

Chapters will become the foundation of community-based programming and act as “hubs” in the greater VIA ecosystem. They connect emerging leaders with peers and local organizations and become a launchpad for action. The Accelerator is a 6-month training program for new chapter leadership teams. The Accelerator includes virtual trainings with other chapter teams across Asia and the US, independent team projects, and an in-person training sprint session. The Accelerator will culminate in a conference with other chapter representatives, where everyone will share about their community, projects, and impact. Through the Accelerator chapter leaders will receive training and guidance from VIA staff on how to design their chapter, identify their community and project goals, recruit members, create events, workshops, and programs, and implement impact evaluation. Chapter leaders will also act as peer mentors and thought partners with other members of the Accelerator cohort.

Why Start a Chapter?

To connect with passionate peers across the world, make a positive impact in your community, take action to support sustainable development, and learn VIA’s unique approach to experiential learning to inspire and train others.

What does it take to start a chapter?

• Logistics
  • At least three leaders per chapter
  • Chapter leaders are in the same geographic area and able to meet regularly in person
  • Each leader can commit at least three hours per week to participate in accelerator activities and attend monthly virtual all-cohort meetings
• Interests
  • Interest in VIA’s mission and approach to experiential learning (experience with VIA is beneficial)
  • Interest in addressing local challenges related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Interest in developing leadership, facilitation, and collaboration skills
  • Interest in collaborating locally, internationally, and across disciplines
• Abilities
  • Demonstrated experience or strong potential as a collaborative leader
  • Demonstrated experience or strong potential to create buy-in and inspire a shared vision with collaborators
  • Demonstrated experience or strong potential to actively recruit and involve others, including individuals and potential partner organizations
  • Comfortable with learning, discussing, and presenting in English

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