Philosophy

Activate's philosophy is underpinned by the following quotes:

• "Our task is not to put the greatness back into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already" (John Buchan). Activate programs start with the premise that participants already have greatness within them. Our role is as facilitators - to draw out and activate that greatness. Our programs are interactive and experiential, rather than didactic.
  
• "It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him" (John Steinbeck). The "expectation" of greatness is reflected through the organisation's philosophy as well as through "silent messages", such as the quality of our programs' venue, food and delivery.
  

The philosophy of Activate is strongly aligned with that of a coaching philosophy that is guided by the words:

• "People have all the resources they need; they just need to access, strengthen, and sequence them" (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

As mentioned above, Activate programs draw out the answers from participants rather than telling them what to do. The staff of Activate interact with each other in this manner also. A coaching conversation of questioning leads to finding the answers within and, this in turn creates ownership and a sense of empowerment. Coaching is ingrained in the culture of Activate.

"Tough realities"

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm". Pubililius Syrius, 42 BC
"Tough realities" are young people who have faced significant personal and social challenges, such as long term unemployment, homelessness and socio-economic disadvantage. They have had to survive and thrive in many "choppy seas". Activate believes that the life experiences of those young people give them a solid foundation for leadership and a unique ability to "hold the helm" when the seas are not calm. Activate Leadership Development Programs aim to convert those life experiences into leadership.