Why you should apply to Global Shapers — Halifax 2017
Applications are open now to join the Halifax Hub of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers. Apply now !
Read on for What is Global Shapers?; Who are we?; How to apply; What we’re looking for…and most importantly, why you should apply?!
What is Global Shapers?
The World Economic Forum (perhaps best known for running the annual Davos conference) established Global Shapers as a special community of extraordinary young people in their 20s. It’s a global community that allows young leaders to meet, build friendships and work together on the topics that matter most to them.
Shapers has no single agenda or purpose. Rather, it’s a platform that enables its members to pursue their own projects — and collaborate on others’ — in a way that amplifies their impact.
Who are we?
There is no one “Shapers type”. The Halifax hub is a group of individuals who encompass a wide range of backgrounds, careers and interests. Our members include writers, entrepreneurs, investors, doctors, lawyers, academics, activists, policy makers and many others. (You can read about some of us here)
What unites us is ambition, leadership and a desire to use our skills and opportunities to make a difference to our communities in Halifax and the wider world.
We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Our official WEF mandate suggests Global Shapers “are selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to make a difference.” This often means people who are accepted are invited on the basis of their existing achievement. If you’ve applied before and were rejected, please don’t feel bad! You’re probably still doing awesome work.
Why apply?
When you ask Halifax Shapers about the benefits of membership, the first answer is invariably about the other people involved. Few other organizations can boast the diversity, quality and intimacy of membership of the Halifax hub. Whatever your passions and ambitions, there will be members of the hub who share and complement your interests. Shapers is not about superficial networking; real friendship is the foundation of what we do and why it works.
Aside from projects, the extraordinary convening power of both WEF and our own members allows us access to organize and attend events with world-class speakers and other participants. Moreover, membership of the hub provides access to engage with the broader World Economic Forum community, including the opportunity to apply to attend the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos and other major events.
How to apply
We’ve tried to make applying as straightforward as possible. To apply, just fill in the form. This involves answering some brief questions and providing a CV
All applications will be reviewed by the Halifax Hub, with short-listed nominees invited to interview.
What we’re looking for
There are two basic eligibility criteria: you must be aged 20 to 29 (inclusive) on 23 August 2017; and you must live or work in Halifax or have sufficiently strong ties to Halifax to be able to fully participate in the hub’s activities.
Beyond this, we assess applications on four criteria:
- Achievement: What this looks like will vary by age and sector. We’re looking for candidates who have established a track record of leadership and impact in their field.
- Potential: Again, we calibrate potential depending on age and sector. We’re seeking people who can demonstrate potential to be real leaders in their fields.
- Social motivation: A key part of the Shapers’ mission is to be a community that cares about having a positive impact in our communities and the world. We believe this can be manifested in many different ways, but we expect candidates to be able to articulate what they care about and how they make a difference (whether in their jobs or otherwise).
- Commitment: An active membership is the lifeblood of the Halifax hub. We’re looking for individuals who want and are able to commit to engaging in the hub’s activities.
If this sounds like you, we’d love you to apply ! If you have any questions please email the Hub’s curator (‘leader’) Emily Miller at emilymiller386@gmail.com
