Meet the young person developing Tiny Changes

Here on the Tiny Changes blog we’ve been introducing you to our wonderful team. Today meet the incredibly organised and talented Filo, Business Development Advisor to the charity.

Hey Filo, how did you find Tiny Changes?  

Tiny Changes found me during lockdown 2020! I was furthering my studies in International Business with HR Management and working part-time. Tiny Changes approached me to help with admin and support the incoming group of Wavemakers. I was excited to get involved as I had followed the charity’s work since Tiny Gigs last summer and was actively seeking the right opportunity in the third sector!

Tell us about your role as Business Development Advisor? 

My role includes advising on and supporting the development of internal processes that ensure Tiny Changes is sustainable, equalities-driven, and self-reflective as an employer and funder. I also get to spend some time on community management and supporting the CEO with organising Wavemakers participation.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

Anything that involves getting the Wavemakers participating in decision making. Right now, that’s ensuring that young people are at the core of decision making by including consultation as a key stage in the development of internal processes. I sat on the Make Tiny Changes Fund panel with two young Wavemakers last year, that is still one of my favourite Tiny Changes moments!

You work with Kara, the CEO on impact assessments, what are those and why are they important? 

Barriers to support and participation exist in most decision-making processes. Impact assessments can help identify different barriers at both a strategic and operational level and encourage transparent, evidence-based processes that don’t disadvantage marginalised young people. One of the great things about working on developing the foundations of a charity at this stage, is that essential processes like impact assessments are introduced early and are more likely to positively influence inclusive thinking and practices.

What is one piece of business advice you’d give to any small charity?

People, people, people! People come first. There is a real lack of awareness around the importance of dedicated people and HR functions in tackling the impact of work-related stress on mental health, particularly in young people. My advice would be to work intentionally to foster healthy and inclusive practices and look after the workers and volunteers who take care of the people who need it most.

How do you check in with your mental health?

I talk, a lot! I’m very fortunate to have a few close people who I know I can always chat with and share my thoughts and feelings. Nature + Chats = bonus! Recently I’ve also found that just reminding myself that nothing else is more important than my physical and mental health, really helps me to rest when I need it.

What’s the first album you listen to in the morning to start your day?

There are so many! but I’m currently loving Mpho Sebina, her music makes me feel at home in myself, that’s always a good way to start the day.

Finally, where would you like Tiny Changes to be at the end of 2021?

Well, A LOT is going on behind the scenes; September to December is looking very exciting, so I don’t want to say anything that might give anything away! Tiny Changes is always learning from young people, I hope we can take the next big step further in that direction by the end of the year.

We hope you enjoyed today’s blog post and we can’t wait to introduce you to more of our Tiny Changes team. Remember, you can keep up to date with our news and announcements by signing up to our newsletter or following us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. You can also donate to Tiny Changes today.