We4Change Fest: Girls and Women connecting for environmental change

As part of the We4Change “Girls and Women connecting for environmental change” Erasmus+ international program, in November and December 2022, the We4Change Changemakers Fest is coming to Belgium!

Three We4Change Changemaking events, will bring girls and young women together with experts, trainers and business coaches, in order to develop their digital and innovation skills, increase civic engagement and unlock their changemaking potential to address climate change and drive environmental transformation:

• 19-20 November 2022 - We4Change: Girls and Women Connecting for Sustainable Consumption

• 26-27 November 2022 - We4Change: Girls and Women Connecting for Smart Cities and Mobility
• 3-4 December 2022 - We4Change: Girls and Women f Connecting or Clean Energy & Resource Efficiency

What are the We4Change Changemaking events?

We4Change Changemakers are “hack for good” events where young women with an entrepreneurial mindset, trainers and subject experts come together during a two-day intense marathon in order to solve specific challenges posed by climate and environmental change encountered in their communities. The events include hands-on activities, training on digital, innovation and environmental awareness skills, problem-solving and co-creation of prototypes, as well as a pitching session by the changemaking teams.

Who can participate?

The events are open to all girls and women* who want to contribute to prosperous, cohesive and sustainable societies! Participants are not required to have prior digital or innovation skills. Your curiosity and commitment to address the challenges posed by climate and environmental change are all you need!

*Anyone who identifies as a girl or woman.

How will you benefit from this event?

• You will learn new skills and information to bring into your daily life: a mindset to stay open to change and innovate, learn about how climate change affects particularly girls and women, what solutions are out there to tackle them and how can you be more active in supporting your local community;
• You will acquire digital, business development and innovation skills through hands-on activities, co-creation of prototypes and pitching workshops;
• Join an international community of like-minded girls and women, including experts, activists, coaches and mentors dedicated to supporting you to achieve your changemaking potential.

How to participate to the We4Change Changemaking events?

The participation to the events is free of charge. However, places are limited so you are required to fill-in this application form: https://forms.gle/YxPP1EV5kU8uqYQe9

The organizing team will send a confirmation email to confirm your participation.

How else can you contribute?

If you would like to be part of to the organization of events, we are happy to receive your support! Below are some ways you can contribute:

• Be or suggest us an inspirational speaker
• Volunteer to hold one of the workshops during the events (digital skills, business training, a training linked to the event thematic)
• Volunteer to do business coaching during the hackathons
• Volunteer as jury member for the pitching competition
• Follow-up support: coaching and mentoring after the event for the winning teams.

Fill-in this partner application form and let us know how would you like to be involved: https://forms.gle/zcPnzppq1kjdm9He9

Selected organizing partners will receive a 1h online training on the main aspects of organizing a successful We4Change Changemakers event.

What is the format of the We4Change Changemaking events?

Below is the general format for each event. Participants will briefly receive the exact agenda with the name of the trainers and speakers for the event they register for.

Day 1

• 9:30: Registration and coffee
• 10:00 – 11:00: Introduction of the event thematic by Digital Leadership Institute & inspirational speech
• 11:00 – 13:00 : Workshop 1 on digital skills
• 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch break
• 14:00 – 15:00: Project proposals, ideation & team selection
• 16:00 – 18:00: Project work

Day 2

• 9:30: Registration, coffee & review of day 1
• 10:00 - 12:00 Workshop 2 on Design Thinking
• 12:00 – 16:00 Project work with coaches (1h of working lunch included)
• 16:00 – 17:00 Project presentations
• 17:00 Feedback session and closing ceremony

Frequently asked questions

I can’t stay the whole time, can I still participate?

Of course! We realize that a weekend is a long time and people may need to attend to other commitments.

What if I don't have any digital or business skills?

You are still welcome! We have dedicated digital and business skills development sessions, so you will be learning at the same time as the other participants. As long as you come willing to learn and contribute ideas.

What if I don't have any entrepreneurial idea?

You are still welcome! During the event you will be inspired and learn from others what kind of entrepreneurial solutions are out there or need to be developed, and you could join one of the teams already working on an idea.

What do I bring?

Bring your laptop, mobile phone, scratch paper and curiosity. We will provide some food, some drinks, wi-fi, power and challenges.

How much it costs to attend the events?

The participation to the events is free of charge.

Can I attend more than one event?

Yes, you are more than welcome to attend several events and bring new ideas to the teams.

How do I register?

Fill-in this application form: https://forms.gle/YxPP1EV5kU8uqYQe9

The organizing team will send a confirmation email to confirm your participation.

We4Change: Girls and Women connecting for environmental change is funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and seeks to contribute to the EU Youth Strategy with a specific female-focused approach, that responds directly to the specific gender-based needs of girls and young women across Europe, offering thus an appropriate and innovative way to empower and engage them in their communities and society-at-large.