The Changemakers Program provides a sense of belonging and empowerment for young people.
15 SEPTEMBER 2026. The Changemakers Program is Sonder Youth's flagship program for young people in the Shoalhaven and beyond.
It brings young people together to learn about themselves, build strong connections with their peers, and develop the skills to design and deliver a project that tackles an issue that matters to them.
How it works
Each group has between 8 and 15 young people. Sonder caps numbers at 15 so that everyone is known, heard and connected. The program runs for around 20 weekly sessions over six months, in line with school terms, with sessions running for two to three hours each.
The time is split between two strands. Half is personal development and wellbeing: changemaking strategies, leadership, pitching, project development, and practical skills for looking after your own mental health and your friends'. The other half is hands-on project work, where the group turns its ideas into something real in its community.
Changemakers projects have grown into ongoing movements and small enterprises, and many focus on mental health. Some continue independently after the program ends, and others are handed on to the next group to carry forward.
“This program has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities”
Young people supporting young people
Each group is guided by three trained program leaders. Every one of them is a Changemakers Program graduate. For participants, that means mentors who understand what they're going through. For the leaders, it means meaningful work, training and leadership experience in their own community.
Two things make the Changemakers Program powerful: empowerment and connection. Young people discover that they can create meaningful change in their own community. As one participant put it, "This program has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities". Along the way, they share the experience with their peers, building the connection and sense of belonging that matter so much for young people today. Together, these lead to improved wellbeing and thriving young people.
Positive action in practice
Sonder Youth's mission is to improve youth mental health through positive action, and the Changemakers Program is that mission at work. Young people look after their own wellbeing and their friends', and then turn that confidence into action that benefits their whole community.
Coolaroo Foundation is proud to support Sonder Youth's work, in line with our mission to enable potential and our focus area, Strengthening Futures for Children and Young People.
