Global Action Impact Accelerator (GAIA) Start for Council Creation Program 2025 – YOA

Application Deadline: April 6, 2025

Are you passionate about driving change in your community? GAIA Start for Councils offers you the chance to launch a World Merit Council in your city and lead impactful initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Global Action Impact Accelerator (GAIA) is a 3-month program designed to equip young changemakers with mentorship, resources, and a global network to establish new World Merit councils and create a lasting impact. These youth-led councils serve as local chapters of World Merit, identifying community challenges and implementing solutions that drive sustainable development.

Program Overview

This edition of GAIA Start provides structured guidance on council formation, helping participants develop the knowledge and tools needed to launch and sustain impactful initiatives. The program includes:

• Live expert-led sessions
• Peer learning opportunities
• Mentorship from World Merit leaders
• Hands-on project implementation

Program Benefits

• A comprehensive council-building experience with structured training and role definitions.
• Support in developing internal processes, managing projects, and forming partnerships.
• Practical skills in recruitment, communication, and project execution.
• Real-time feedback to enhance decision-making and team collaboration.
• Personalized mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Global networking with other councils and changemakers.
• Access to World Merit’s international platform to showcase initiatives and attract new members.
• Opportunity to win grants through the GAIA Goalkeepers Prize Competition at the end of the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18 to 30 years old.
• Form a team of 3 to 5 members willing to commit to core World Merit roles.
• Be based in a location without an active World Merit Council.
• Commit to full participation in the 12-week virtual program.
• Align their council’s vision and initiatives with the SDGs.
• Be open to continuous learning, feedback, and mentorship.

Team Expectations

Participating teams must:

• Assign members to five core roles: Leadership, Membership, Partnerships & Fundraising, Communications, and Project Management.
• Attend all training sessions (live sessions scheduled on Saturdays, GMT).
• Regularly meet, document progress, and implement a project addressing community needs.
• Form at least one local partnership during the program.
• Share experiences through peer learning and the World Merit platform.
• Actively track and report project impact.

How to Apply

This opportunity is for teams applying to launch a World Merit Council through GAIA Start.

• Click here to apply.
• For more details, visit World Merit.