In-Volve: Get Involved
Artist:
RWD
Moments after his inspiring ‘People buy people’ speech, RWD caught up with In-volve’s CEO Viv Ahmun. We discuss his role looking after several projects for young people, “The Government”, and how he hopes it will get youths off their arses... images by Joanna Woodrow
How do you explain your role as chief officer for In-Volve?
It’s a leadership role. It’s my responsibility to map out the vision from the organisation and ensure that we operate in accordance with that vision. I maintain the quality of the work that we deliver on the ground and also anticipate and address any potential challenges that might arise. It’s about fostering confidence in the staff and it’s about acting as a figurehead.
Why is it so important for you to travel the country?
Well I’m a traditionalist; I believe that a strong leader is actually involved (to a degree) in frontline delivery, so I speak with the users of our services. I believe in being up there in the frontline disseminating the message.
How would you say In-Volve reaches, or helps, young people?
Well, this idea of young people being hard to reach is not something I buy into. If we step out of this hotel, they’re right there in front of us. Too often, people just don’t engage with them, but we do, it’s as simple as that. At the end of the day, people buy people – that’s the point I made in the speech. I could go and deliver a programme with nothing, no flip chart, no tool kit, no music, no DJ, no nothing. Just me, and if I can get them to buy into me then we’re off. If you can inspire someone then they will shift, they will move.
Why do the Government find it so hard to reach them?
It’s civil servants who are the ones who run Government, rather than the politicians. They are very removed from the young people who they are actually writing the policies for. They do not read their publications, don’t watch their television nor go to their events. They know nothing about them.
What sort of changes have you seen in the young people who get ‘involved’ with In-Volve?
One of the guys we’ve worked with is part of a big consultancy company. He started off with us when he was just 17 years-old and is now doing really well. There are many individuals who have gone through the program, into music and the media. That is our role; we incubate young people.
What would you say to a young person reading this who wants to better themselves?
Call us and basically take the first step. At the end of the day, change always begins with action. You can think about it, you can listen to people talking about it... until you take that first step, it’s all about action.
What are your personal goals?
To be the best that I can be. If I think positively, 99.99% of the time things will be successful.
What are your goals for In-Volve?
To grow. At the moment our turnover is about £7.5 million. If we get that up to about £14-15million, it will give us economy of scale and we’ll be able to deliver more effective services and get to those areas of the country that need them most.
In-Volve has 22 projects offering training, work experience, drug counselling and a host of other opportunities for young people. For details of your local project or further information visit in-volve.org.uk or call 020 7474 2222
Moments after his inspiring ‘People buy people’ speech, RWD caught up with In-volve’s CEO Viv Ahmun. We discuss his role looking after several projects for young people, “The Government”, and how he hopes it will get youths off their arses... images by Joanna Woodrow
How do you explain your role as chief officer for In-Volve?
It’s a leadership role. It’s my responsibility to map out the vision from the organisation and ensure that we operate in accordance with that vision. I maintain the quality of the work that we deliver on the ground and also anticipate and address any potential challenges that might arise. It’s about fostering confidence in the staff and it’s about acting as a figurehead.
Why is it so important for you to travel the country?
Well I’m a traditionalist; I believe that a strong leader is actually involved (to a degree) in frontline delivery, so I speak with the users of our services. I believe in being up there in the frontline disseminating the message.
How would you say In-Volve reaches, or helps, young people?
Well, this idea of young people being hard to reach is not something I buy into. If we step out of this hotel, they’re right there in front of us. Too often, people just don’t engage with them, but we do, it’s as simple as that. At the end of the day, people buy people – that’s the point I made in the speech. I could go and deliver a programme with nothing, no flip chart, no tool kit, no music, no DJ, no nothing. Just me, and if I can get them to buy into me then we’re off. If you can inspire someone then they will shift, they will move.
Why do the Government find it so hard to reach them?
It’s civil servants who are the ones who run Government, rather than the politicians. They are very removed from the young people who they are actually writing the policies for. They do not read their publications, don’t watch their television nor go to their events. They know nothing about them.
What sort of changes have you seen in the young people who get ‘involved’ with In-Volve?
One of the guys we’ve worked with is part of a big consultancy company. He started off with us when he was just 17 years-old and is now doing really well. There are many individuals who have gone through the program, into music and the media. That is our role; we incubate young people.
What would you say to a young person reading this who wants to better themselves?
Call us and basically take the first step. At the end of the day, change always begins with action. You can think about it, you can listen to people talking about it... until you take that first step, it’s all about action.
What are your personal goals?
To be the best that I can be. If I think positively, 99.99% of the time things will be successful.
What are your goals for In-Volve?
To grow. At the moment our turnover is about £7.5 million. If we get that up to about £14-15million, it will give us economy of scale and we’ll be able to deliver more effective services and get to those areas of the country that need them most.
In-Volve has 22 projects offering training, work experience, drug counselling and a host of other opportunities for young people. For details of your local project or further information visit in-volve.org.uk or call 020 7474 2222
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Comments
livewire
30 Dec 2007, 19:55
30 Dec 2007, 19:55
im glad to see someone cares.well done
