Youth Time International Movement: The International NGO You Probably Didn't Know, But Should

The Youth Time International Movement recently held its 5th Annual Youth Global Forum where over 112 youths from over 42 different countries have participated in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The international nongovernment organization traces its roots from the first Rhodes Youth Forum where the president of Youth Time, Julia Kinash, was also present.

Anyone who has brilliant ideas and projects to transform their communities for the better is who this forum looks for. This year, 11 changemakers and social entrepreneurs have given their all to win the Youth Time idea grant worth 10 000 euros. Due to generous benefactors -some of whom were also idea grant winners in the past (like Mr. Rakesh Biswas) - more projects have been given a chance to transform communities, one start-up at a time.

[Also read: The 5th Youth Global Forum: 3 Important Take-Aways]

You probably don't know anything about Youth Time, I didn't too

Despite its prestige, however, many people are still unfamiliar with the Youth Time International Movement. I myself had just found the forum's application call on Instagram, and I am so glad I did for it was a phenomenal experience.

This organization acts as a consultant and or organizers for world-class events. They also organize summer schools, and holds competitions like the recent youth forum. This article summarises what the organization does.

Now to really give us an inside look about the organization geared towards optimizing the capabilities of the youth, I caught up with Ms. Julia Kinash, President and Founder of the Youth Time International Movement.

Note: The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. It is otherwise untouched.

What is YTIM in 2–5 words?

An international platform to exchange between cultures and generations.

When you were much younger did you always plan to start your own NGO? If yes, why? If not, then what do you think would you be doing right now?

I was always very active in public life. At my secondary school, I participated in activities like school presidential elections. Then at University, we organized different events for students such as business games. The decision to create Youth Time was very spontaneous. We met with a group of enthusiasts on a youth panel at an international event. We were inspired and tried to organize our first event for youth in Rhodes which was a great success. After, we decided to establish a permanent NGO.

What makes YT different from other NGOs?

We are entirely international and do not follow the agenda or way of thinking of any particular culture or country. Youth Time is a platform where all young people, no matter what is their country of origin, religion, etc., can get on stage, be heard and be supported.

In its 10 years, how has Youth Time changed?

Over the course of the last 10 years, Youth Time International Movement has grown from a new, small NGO into a well-known organization on the international youth events stage. Today we offer a unique set of possibilities for young people as we annually gather together over 200 young social entrepreneurs from all over the globe on our events and over 130,000 young people through our online media platforms such as social media, websites and Youth Time magazine.

"If you are passionate about what you are doing, that can compensate for a lack of experience. "

Julia Kinash, President and Founder of Youth Time International Movement

What were the biggest challenges you've faced when you started this organization and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was the lack of experience which was fixed over time, finding the right people, and of course, finances. With the last two, we are still working every day.

What do you love about your team?

The enthusiasm and passion. If you are passionate about what you are doing, that can compensate for a lack of experience.

What were the best business practices you've learned over the years?

That quality is more important than quantity.

What’re your criteria in judging the applicants for the project presentation?

Mostly we are looking for social entrepreneurs with projects which can really help societies they come from. Their ideas have to be focused on real problems and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Their projects should be realistic and their ideas, clear. Then, the final fifteen projects have an opportunity to present projects during the event and win a grant.

" If we have an opportunity to inspire at least a few youngsters to create something bright and helpful then we can say we are successful."

- Julia Kinash, President and Founder of Youth Time International Movement

How do you measure success and what are your metrics for it?

We measure our success by looking at the people; participants and members of the organization. If we have an opportunity to inspire at least a few youngsters to create something bright and helpful then we can say we are successful. If we see positive emotions from the programs we provide, if we see new friendships – we are successful.

"We exist not because all is good, but we exist because youth globally, face a lot of different problems and need a place to speak about that and search for solutions together as a global community. "

- Julia Kinash, President and Founder of Youth Time International Movement

Why is now the best time for your company to exist?

YTIM is an open and peaceful platform for dialogue between young people from different backgrounds, cultures, countries, religions, etc. It is a platform for dialogue between generations. As long we will have global conflicts, as long we will have unstable economies, as long we will face major social problems, and as long we will have unsatisfactory education systems, then we will need organizations like the Youth Time International Movement. We exist not because all is good, but we exist because youth globally, face a lot of different problems and need a place to speak about that and search for solutions together as a global community.

Youth Time will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. What are your expectations for YT in the next ten?

It is hard for me to predict what will be in the next 10-year-period. We will definitely continue our work and support young social entrepreneurs around the globe.

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Now that you know about the Youth Time International Movement, don't miss out on your golden youth time to make the future better. See this as a sign to take your brilliant ideas into the implementation stage. Join the family!