Community Action Projects
Young people turn what they learn at FFI into practical plans for their communities. Explore their projects and hear the ideas in their own words.
Leadership in your own community
Every FFI youth program participant develops a Community Action Project around a need in their home community.
They choose an issue that matters to them, build a practical plan and present it to community members for feedback. Along the way, they practise the skills that make an idea possible: listening, setting goals, budgeting, fundraising and asking for help.
The projects below show where those ideas can lead.
Community Action Projects · 2026 updates
Projects take shape through conversations with the people they aim to support. These updates describe work in progress as well as action already underway.
Alison · September 2026 · Research underway
As a member of a local hospital’s youth board, Alison was gathering information about the languages spoken by the people it serves and the resources they need. Her project begins with understanding who needs support and where communication can improve.
Elizabeth · September 2026 · Building partnerships
Elizabeth was reaching out to women’s shelters as she developed her project. Working with an existing organization helps shape the idea around the people and services already involved.
Joanna · September 2026 · Proposal in development
Joanna was talking with school administrators about developing support programs. Those conversations are part of turning a concern into a practical plan that can work within her school.
Shay · Belfast · March 2026 update
Shay’s Community Action Project was providing food support for people experiencing homelessness in Belfast. He was also exploring how to establish the work as a registered charity.
Earlier participant stories
Lucy · County Down, Northern Ireland
Lucy organised a formal to bring together young people from her divided community. A £15 ticket covered a warm meal, photographs and a DJ, reducing the cost for families.
“This allowed them to get to know each other and break down stigmas.”
Lucy reported that young people wanted the event to become an annual tradition. At the end of the evening, they chose to donate the profits to Cancer Fund for Children in memory of her friend.
Conor · County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Conor’s idea gives people a chance to hear stories from someone whose experiences differ from their own, and to ask questions directly.
“Reading is good but talking opens a whole other dimension”
Inspired by a workshop that challenged his own assumptions, Conor wanted others to have the opportunity to listen, question and understand a different perspective.
How participants develop a project
Identify a need in your community and consider the people affected.
Decide what you want to change and develop your idea through workshops.
Work out the budget, resources, fundraising and steps needed.
Present your proposal to community members and use their questions to improve it.
Project presentations · 2023
From school supplies and food access to political empathy and welcoming newcomers, these ten presentations share participants’ proposals and plans. Explore more presentations by topic below.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
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Refugee Engagement Events · Ellen, County Down. A proposal addressing isolation among newcomers.
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Empowering the Unseen · Emily, New Hampshire. A proposal addressing menstrual-product access for people experiencing homelessness.
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I Know I’m a Girl · Emma A., New Hampshire. A proposal addressing sexism.
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Game Nights for Homeless and Non-Homeless · Eve, County Donegal. A proposal bringing neighbors together.
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Supplies 4 Students · Hassan, Rawalpindi. A proposal addressing access to school supplies.
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One Can One Cookie · Kayracan, Turkey. A proposal addressing food insecurity.
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Peer Bridge Program · Khaliun, Mongolia. A proposal for peer English learning.
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Political Empathy for Teens · Luna, New Hampshire. A proposal for understanding different political perspectives.
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Project Produce Connection · Ruth. A presentation addressing food insecurity.
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Flowing Equality: Break the Silence on Period Poverty · Sonia, India. A proposal addressing menstrual-product access.
KEEP WATCHING
For community members
Experience with a local issue, project planning, budgeting or fundraising can help a participant strengthen their idea. Tell FFI what you could contribute.
Offer your skillsFor FFI alumni
Share your idea, the steps you have taken and what you have learned through the Community Action Project submission form.
Share your projectGoogle sign in is required.
November 2026 · Alumni projects
9As of November 3, 2026, nine alumni had signed up to present their Community Action Projects to fellow alumni and staff for feedback. These were project presentations, not a count of completed projects.