Growing leaders

We use the Ganz model, peer action research, and real-time feedback loops to develop our young people. Our partners work with us to provide real-life opportunities to design and improve local services and experiences meaningfully. Youth voice becomes more than a one-off consultation. It becomes an ongoing dialogue that shapes decision-making and drives long-term change.

- Chloe Munroe

" I joined CHISPA during a period of uncertainty, when I was at a crossroads and unsure what my next steps would be.

Tia saw potential in me and encouraged me to step into the team, offering me space to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully.

Through Chispa, I’ve gained hands‑on experience in organising and delivering events while developing confidence in my own leadership.”

The Ganz model

At Chispa CIC, our Youth Leadership Programme is built on the Ganz “Snowflake” model — a peer‑led structure where leadership grows outward, not downward. Each core Chispa youth leader mentors and develops their own team, creating a self‑sustaining network of young leaders who support, inspire and hold one another accountable.

Leadership is always rooted in real work. Young people co‑lead programmes, drive peer research, shape advocacy, and build partnerships with services, councils, organisations and cultural institutions. This hands-on leadership model creates a living pipeline of youth voice embedded directly within community and service spaces.

Our approach ensures:

  • Ongoing development of youth capacity and agency

  • Youth-driven governance and culture across the organisation

  • A scalable leadership network rooted in local communities

  • Youth voice embedded as a structural driver of systems change

“Chispa has been a space where I’ve grown personally and professionally. I’ve pushed through self‑doubt, learnt from others’ stories, and developed my confidence as a leader. The support I’ve received — especially around setting up my CIC — showed me how much people genuinely want to help each other succeed.”

Young leader: Tia Callum
Timeframe: 2023–2024
Focus: Youth‑led infrastructure and organisational development

Chispa supported Tia with the initiation, development and delivery of Sing Share Heal (SSH), alongside securing and managing a Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant. Support covered strategic planning, project development and navigating funding structures.

This work enabled SSH to move from an idea into an active youth‑led initiative, strengthening Tia’s leadership skills while contributing to longer‑term cultural and community infrastructure.