The Communications Council's Youngbloods NSW group has teamed up with UnLtd to create a pro bono program where its members can share their knowledge and talent to help others.
UnLtd connects the media, marketing and creative industries with charities working with children and young people at-risk, so this partnership's a match made in heaven for the comms organisation that helps under-30s get experience.
The initiative follows Youngbloods QLD's collaboration with PublicisQ in March this year to mentor young people in the advertising, media, marketing and communications industries in the sunshine state.
See: PublicisQ tackles Queensland gender imbalance with new mentor program
Youngbloods NSW president TBWA’s Chloe Saintilan is joined on the committee by Alex Tran of BuzzFeed; Kristina Batt from M&C Saatchi; Cat May of We Are Social; Alex Schieder of Silk; Isabella Rigg from Traffik; and Lou Saddington from Play Events.
Saintilan says the idea to partner with UnLtd came out of a recent membership survey and she believes it’s industry gold.
“What really came through was that they’d like to be connected with opportunities to upskill and give back,” she says.
“I have no doubt that the enthusiasm and talents of Youngbloods members will be a huge asset to UnLtd. We’re really excited about exploring ways of connecting and empowering our members inbetween our flagship events."
The partnership, according to Saintilan, connects Youngbloods members "with opportunities to both gain some more experience, meet new people, and do some good".
How it works is when Youngbloods members register for the program, they’re added to the database, and then based on their skill set and causes they’re passionate about, these members are put on briefs for UnLtd’s partner charities. They work pro bono on the briefs either solo or in collaboration with other Youngbloods.
“Briefs can vary from brand strategies to OOH posters and social content,” Saintilan says.
“Our hackathon event at the end of the year will involve several live briefs for not-for-profits, which attendees can come along and have a crack at over a beer, as well as hear from some inspiring speakers.”
UnLtd’s partner charities include Heart Kids; Indigenous Literary Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Youth Off The Streets; Radio Lollipop; and a dozen or so more worthy causes.
Youngbloods NSW says it’s an awesome way to get experience in the comms field while helping someone else. And Saintilan is encouraging industry partners to jump on board with the 2018 hackathon as sponsors, speakers or in any capacity, to help propel the program forward.
To join Youngbloods NSW visit here and interested Youngbloods can sign up for the UnLtd program here.
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