Since the inception of Inspiring Stories, climate change has been a key area of focus. This started with sharing the stories of young people taking action through films like Carving the Future, including climate-focused panels and keynote speakers at Festival for the Future, and then establishing The Impact Awards with climate action as one of the major award categories. While we’ve seen some incredible examples of youth leadership in this space including alumni leading things like the School Strikes 4 Climate and the Pacific Climate Warriors – the need for action and leadership in this space has never been greater.

The context for action…
Over the past year extreme weather events including floods, droughts and fires have caused devastation across Aotearoa. The need for climate justice, for adaptation and future proofing our communities is real. In response to this, we have developed The Impact Challenge to support young people to better understand what climate change means for the future of our communities, and develop solutions for climate justice and community resilience.

Launching The Impact Challenge…
The Impact Challenge launched at Festival for the Future in 2023, including an event at Parliament hosted by the Minister of Climate Change, as well as keynote speakers, and a series of workshops where 140+ young people developed and shared their vision for climate justice and community resilience in Aotearoa.

A 4-month learning adventure backing young people in Aotearoa…
Over the next four months, young people aged 14–30 across Aotearoa would be supported with micro-grants, workshops, inspirational speakers, mentoring and resources to help them bring their communities together to explore solutions for climate justice and community resilience.

This initiative has attracted interest from young people, Councils, businesses, and communities in multiple regions across Aotearoa, and provided young people with various opportunities to support their learning and development. While the challenge is still running and due to conclude in November 2023, so far, more tha 140 young people have taken part in the online workshop series, and 21 youth-led groups/initiatives are actively working to bring their communities together to explore solutions in communities as far as Ōpōtiki, Greymouth, Whangārei, Nelson, Auckland and Wellington.

"For me, the Impact Challenge has been an open door to educate and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change including on our Pacific Islands. Many of the Pasifika students learned the significance of this topic which led them to think of ways to mitigate and cater to this problem. I think that’s why I’ve enjoyed the Impact Challenge so much - to see more minds merge and create better solutions." – Ioanna, Mahurangi College Warkworth

Building young people’s skills and experience…
12 free online workshops supported young people to build knowledge and skills throughout The Impact Challenge. Topics have ranged from understanding climate change and risks in Aotearoa from our partners at Beca, to indigenous climate solutions, building movements, fundraising, creative writing, to evidence-based strategise for eco-anxiety and much more. In addition to the free online workshops, mentoring and support has also been provided to young people taking part in the challenge.

”Thanks to The Impact Challenge, our crew have built confidence, learned new skills, and strengthened relationships while following their passion for creating change. Their awesome mahi on climate change/resilience has opened countless other amazing opportunities for them.” – Nita, Ōpōtiki

What happens next? Prizes up for grabs…
For a first time initiative we’re learning a lot as we go, and are absolutely hoping to secure funding to expand the challenge to reach more communities and young people in 2024. As we work through the final phase of the challenge in 2023, we are inviting young people to apply for funding to help bring their ideas for climate justice and / or community resilience to life.

We have three prizes of $1,000 to giveaway to young people (aged 14 - 30), and applications close Sunday 8th October. Head to the link below to learn more!