Like most people drawn to this organisation, I’m incredibly passionate about youth development. I do a couple of volunteer gigs and I see remarkable young adults digging deep for the betterment of their communities, and so while my initial thoughts focussed on getting my own air cadets airborne more often, I’ve decided to dream a little bigger.
I’m starting my own charity and the vision is to foster a practical interest in aviation. I will seek out remarkable young adults (such as those in the cadet forces) and award them modest scholarships. £200 can get a pretty meaty day of instruction and gliding and, unlike other providers of scholarships, there will be no focus on how much flying they’ve done or whether they want to be a pilot. If they’re good people and they serve their communities with distinction, I want to get them airborne.
As well as throwing £1000 of my own fun coupons into the pot, I’m going to try and run a half marathon every week of 2025 in order to grow the pot.
If you think this is worth supporting and you wouldn’t mind sharing around your networks, the more money I get, the more young adults can go flying!
If anyone wanted to donate with a specific recipient in mind, I’d be very happy to talk about that.
If you’re looking for technical knowledge on operating charities (or trusts, as this really appears to be), I’m happy to be a sounding board or provide guidance.
I have a degree in NGO Management and multiple years of experience within the third sector in the UK and overseas. These days, I lead a development charity in Peru.
One thing to be careful of, that’s separate to the above; HQAC have been coming down on initiatives just like this one where they feel there is too much of a link between RAFAC and the charity/event/organisation. Personally, I don’t think they have the right to intervene but they do anyhow. Think about how to ensure the demonstrable independence of the charity from anything to do with RAFAC.
But good on you for putting yourself out there with this.
I would be very grateful for any advice on management actually. That was the first big question — what form it should take.
Despite being a separate entity, part of the reason for opening up the vision was because I didn’t want it to have essentially become a RAFAC support mechanism and perhaps fall foul of some of our rules.
This is inspired by the organisation’s vision but definitely separate.
@OC.1324 this idea is fantastic. It’s something that has been discussed on here before, especially during the proposed changes to CWCs. It’s exciting to see someone going ahead and trying it. I imagine it won’t be a simple thing to do, but there’s certainly some knowledgeable people on here who I’m sure will be willing to help.
I am very sorry to read about your cancer diagnosis on that post. There isn’t really anything I can say to help, as it’s not something I know a lot about. But I really wish you the best with the next steps.
The cancer thing should be alright. If I lose control of the pain management then I’m in a bit of trouble, as I don’t think I could endure that for long. Only so long one can go without sleep/rest.
There were people getting much worse news than me that day, but it’s focussed the mind nonetheless. I’m going to be hitting the ground running a little faster than I normally do…
Thanks so much to those have supported / reached out thus far. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
If anyone wants to join me for a run, let me know…
