Changing Perspectives
Are You Ready?
GOYN’s new “Are You Ready?” video series taps the power of storytelling to shift the narrative on Opportunity Youth from deficiencies to abilities. These stories inspire us all to take action to help young people around the world realize their full potential.
Meet Soni
Meet Antonio
Meet Wendy
Prevailing negative narratives largely define youth by what they lack
This is what makes changing perspectives so critical. Reorienting those perceptions means breaking down deep-seated biases and building up an alternate view of young people who are capable, motivated, and ready to work and lead.
At GOYN’s inception, adopting the designation “Opportunity Youth” was a purposeful move to change the narrative. Through multimedia storytelling and engaging with employers and policymakers across 17 communities, GOYN is furthering the movement, powered by youth, to reshape mindsets and spark more inclusive practices, policies, and investments.
Supporting young people’s journey past systemic barriers to dignified livelihoods isn’t always quick or easy. But the payoff is immense: a resilient, talented generation with innovative ideas that help economies stabilize and flourish. Changing perspectives around Opportunity Youth is a critical first step we all can take toward creating more equitable communities for everyone.
Narrative Change in Action
What role can I play?
Interested in supporting GOYN?
Explore the network’s latest learning, experience the energy of a GOYN global convening, check out GOYN’s funding partners, or start a conversation with GOYN
Keen to learn more about GOYN’s approach?
Learn from GOYN’s experience in building local collaboratives, mapping ecosystems, and engaging young people in establishing powerful place-based solutions to improve youth livelihoods
Able to help break down barriers to youth economic mobility?
Leverage insights from GOYN on promising economic pathways from rural environments to the creative sector, tap into best practices in employer engagement, or understand the financial inclusion landscape for young people
Ready to create change?
Hear from powerful young changemakers, dig into GOYN’s capacity strengthening of young innovators, follow steps to increase civic engagement among young people, or get inspired by GOYN’s global family
Just getting started?
Get more familiar with GOYN’s work and the broader field of economic inclusion for Opportunity Youth, or explore the work of our U.S.-based counterpart with OY in the United States
Amplifying Young Leaders
The lived experiences of young people can transform how we all think and behave. Their voices and vision offer compelling guidance for all of us to turn new perspectives into action to improve youth livelihoods and lives.
Voices of OY
Stakeholder Perspectives
These young people have so much potential and with the right tools and supports, they have the ability to build a more inclusive workforce, create financially stable communities and help break the cycle of poverty.
– Sarah Keh, VP Inclusive Solutions, Prudential Financial Inc.
Change is not something we deliver to communities—it’s something that emerges when communities lead.
– Gautam John, CEO, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies
Young people are not leaders of tomorrow. (They) are leaders, right here, right now, today.
– Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India
