Are you aged 16 to 24 and interested in making a difference on issues such as education, employment, racism and inequality?
Action for Race Equality (ARE) is recruiting new members to join its Youth Action Network (YAN), a paid opportunity for young people living across England to share their views, meet new people and help shape action on racial inequality.
You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications to apply, and you don’t need to be an expert on racial equality or feel confident speaking in front of others. Whether you are already speaking out about issues you care about or are just beginning to find your voice, you will be supported to take part.
We’re excited to open recruitment for the third year of ARE’s Youth Action Network. We want to hear from young people who care about race equality and want to make their voices heard. Through YAN, members can shape ARE’s work, challenge our thinking and develop valuable skills while working with others to create positive change.
– Ellisha Coates, Programme Director
A network where young people help shape change
The YAN brings together young people who want to contribute to a fairer society and ensure that young people’s experiences are considered in decisions affecting their lives.
Members share their ideas and lived experiences, contribute to ARE’s research, policy and programmes, and help organisations and decision-makers better understand what young people think and need.
Previous YAN activities have included:
- Contributing to policy discussions about the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement
- Exploring the criminalisation of children in schools
- Sharing views on workplace inclusion and barriers to employment
- Helping influence ARE’s race equality programmes and projects
- Contributing to surveys and research about young people’s experiences and perceptions of racism
Leading new projects in 2026
This year, YAN members will play a leading role in helping ARE understand how young people perceive and experience racism.
Members will work together to explore the views of other young people and use what they learn to develop and lead their own projects. This work will also help shape ARE’s wider priorities and ensure that young people’s ideas and proposed solutions are heard.
What will you gain?
YAN membership is paid at the London Living Wage, currently £14.80 per hour, for agreed hours.
Taking part will also give you opportunities to build your confidence, communication and leadership skills. You will meet and work with other young people from across England, share your ideas in a supportive environment and learn more about race equality, social justice and advocacy.
Members may also work alongside professionals and decision-makers, develop campaigns and activities, and gain practical experience that can strengthen their CV and future education or employment applications.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are aged 16 to 24
- Live in England
- Are interested in race equality and creating positive change
- Want to share your ideas and experiences
- Are willing to listen, learn and work with other young people
- No qualifications or previous experience are required. Your lived experience, ideas and willingness to take part are what matter.
How to apply:
Complete the online application form by 16 September 2026, 5 pm (deadline for applications)
If you need support completing the application or require this information in another format, contact the ARE Programme Director, Ellisha Coates via ellisha@actionforraceequality.org.uk.
