For the Spring ‘24 cohort, the pilot project was based in Kingsmead School, Enfield. The project was led by two young people, Liyuu and Anastasia, who had completed the Autumn ‘23 12-week programme. The project focused on addressing homophobia and transphobia in the lives of young people.
The Social Action Accelerator Pilot (SAAP) builds on The Diana Award’s 12-week career skills and social action Mentoring Programme, offering young people the opportunity to take the social action ideas devised in the initial programme to the next level. This follow-up pilot project provides resources, funding from our partner #iWill, and expert guidance and mentorship to allow young people to bring their ideas to life in an impactful way.
For the Spring ‘24 cohort, the pilot project was based in Kingsmead School, Enfield. The project was led by two young people, Liyuu and Anastasia, who had completed the Autumn ‘23 12-week programme. SAAP aimed to help them build on their career and social action skills while giving them the freedom to create a project they cared about.
The project focused on addressing homophobia and transphobia in the lives of young people. Initially, they planned a school-based campaign with the likes of posters and a fashion show to challenge potential stereotypes that may be held by their peers. Over time, the idea grew into something bigger. With guidance from a freelance member of The Diana Award staff who also works with The Dominion Theatre, home of The Devil Wears Prada musical, they turned their campaign into a music video with the message: “Clothes don’t have gender.” This change expanded the project’s scope and aimed to make it more impactful.
.jpeg)
The music video was a creative way to start a conversation about LGBTQ+ issues and freedom of expression through fashion. Partnering with a professional from the theatre industry brought new opportunities and raised the scope and scale of the project. Filming at the Dominion Theatre added a professional touch and gave the young people valuable experience in a creative environment. All of the hard work done on the project paid off when looking at the final cut of the music video. Its visuals and message are designed to inspire a wide audience.
Liyuu focused on the creative side of the project, taking charge of the video’s storyboard and ensuring the artistic vision was clear. Anastasia handled much of the project management and logistics, keeping things on track and ensuring the budget was managed effectively. When the costumes on the day unfortunately did not meet the vision had, they adapted by using their own clothes brought in case of a situation like this. These challenges showed their ability to problem-solve and stay focused under pressure. Issues also arose when trying to schedule a filming day with the theatre as there were many different stakeholders who all needed to be present on the day. However, these challenges became opportunities for growth. Liyuu and Anastasia’s adaptability and resilience were key to overcoming these obstacles. They demonstrated a remarkable ability to adjust plans and still deliver where needed. The project highlighted the importance of thorough logistical planning. Anastasia’s management skills were evident as she navigated the complexities of coordinating with external partners, budgeting for expenses, and managing timelines. Her efforts ensured the team stayed organized and on track, even when unforeseen issues arose. As well as that, Liyuu’s creative leadership brought the project to life, ensuring the message of the music video was communicated clearly and effectively.
While Liyuu and Anastasia spearheaded the project, they weren’t working alone. Laurel and Alyssa played a significant role in shaping the final product, focusing on the music and video editing aspects of the project. Their technical skills ensured the music video’s audio and visuals were polished and professional, tying the creative elements together seamlessly. Both also participated as performers, alongside Ethan and Talyn, who brought energy and authenticity to the video’s scenes. The performers helped embody the project’s message of self-expression, using fashion and movement to challenge stereotypes. Together, the team created a dynamic and impactful video that was greater than the sum of its parts, showcasing the power of collaboration and shared vision.
.png)
The filming day at the Dominion Theatre was a huge success. The professional environment provided a unique experience for the young people, giving them insight into the creative industry and reinforcing the importance of attention to detail. Working with a freelancer from The Devil Wears Prada musical added a level of expertise that elevated the project’s quality and inspired the young people to think bigger about their future possibilities. In addition to the video, interviews with the young people involved were filmed to capture what this project meant to them in their own words. These interviews capture their reflections on the project, highlighting skills like teamwork, creative direction, and overcoming obstacles. These interviews will follow the music video’s release, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the project and the young people’s development.
.png)
Looking ahead, this project underscores the potential for partnerships to enhance social action initiatives. Collaborating with industry professionals, such as those from the theatre world, brought new dimensions to the project, demonstrating the value of combining expertise with youth-led creativity. These collaborations not only amplify the message but also provide young people with experiences that build confidence and skills applicable to their future careers. Future SAAP projects can build on this success by exploring new types of social action campaigns and involving a wider range of participants. Expanding the programme’s reach could allow more young people to benefit from these opportunities and tackle a diverse array of issues. Lessons learned from this pilot, such as the need for flexibility in timelines and the importance of clear communication with external partners, will be crucial for scaling up.
Liyuu and Anastasia’s journey speaks to the impact of mentorship and the potential of youth-led social action. Their dedication to addressing LGBTQ+ issues through creative expression has not only set out to raise awareness but also shown what can be achieved through determination and collaboration. This project is a reminder that with the right support, young people can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Learn more about The Diana Award Mentoring Programme and Social Action Accelerator Pilot project here
