Skip to 0 minutes and 10 seconds TOM HARRISON: There is a double benefit when young people take part in meaningful youth social action. Undertaking activities that help others and the environment, such as volunteering, makes a difference to others, and also helps society to flourish. Undertaking these activities also builds character virtues, such as compassion, and courage, confidence in children and young people. This MOOC looks at this double benefit in more detail, and also draws on evidence to explain how these benefits can be maximised to support young people on a journey of youth social action. The learning will be led by academics and experts, as well as young people themselves.
Skip to 0 minutes and 48 seconds Importantly, it will be the MOOC learners themselves contributing to the discussions and debates that will help further what we already know about this important topic.
Skip to 0 minutes and 59 seconds CHARLOTTE HILL: The #iwill campaign aims to make participation in social action the norm for all young people by 2020. We are delighted to collaborate on this MOOC. Because we believe that participating in social action has great potential to build character in young people, and that their social experiences can help them later down the line, when it comes to getting a job, applying to university, or into adulthood.
Skip to 1 minute and 23 seconds PAULINE MEYER: As young trustee and an #iwill ambassador, I’ll be speaking in this MOOC about the social action that I’ve done, from volunteering in my local cancer research charity shop to representing my peers at the highest decision of my university, mentoring and inspiring others to get involved in social action. I’ll be drawing on my own experiences, and what I’ve learned as a result of social action.
Skip to 1 minute and 45 seconds EMMA TAYLOR-COLLINS: In this MOOC, you’ll hear a range of perspectives, from young people talking about their experiences, to academics on the history of youth social action, the theoretical basis of character, and the evidence on youth social action, and why character and youth social action matter in education, employment, and the voluntary sector. Through a series of mini-lectures, thought-provoking questions, suggested reading material, and interactive forum discussions, we hope to provide a space where you can find out more about these important issues.
Skip to 2 minutes and 15 seconds TOM HARRISON: This MOOC is essential learning for anyone interested in character and youth social action. We really hope you join our community of learners. And we really look forward to meeting virtually on the discussion boards.
