Ep #150 - Charli English: How Oaktree are creating the future they want to create

Innovate for Impact

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Charli English, the CEO of Oaktree.
The discussion explores how the youth-led organisation Oaktree is creating the future they want to see. They are taking a decolonial approach to funding grassroots youth-led initiatives across the Asia Pacific, and co-creating their strategy with young people and partners to challenge perceptions about youth leadership in the development sector.

Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:

• Oaktree supports grassroots youth-led organisations across the Asia Pacific through their Oaktree Youth Solidarity Fund
• They have made a bold decision to take a decolonial approach to their funding, providing unrestricted grants to partners rather than tying the funding to specific projects
• This allows the grassroots organisations to use the funds in the way that best meets their needs, whether that's registering the organisation, paying staff salaries, or implementing their programs
• Oaktree has also co-created their organisational strategy with young people and their partners to ensure it is truly youth-led and responsive to local needs
• They are working to change perceptions about young people's capabilities and leadership in the development sector

Links from the episode:

• Oaktree: Click here
• Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here
• The Impacto Consulting website: Click here
• Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here