Could school ‘own clothes days’ be the future of youth voice funding?

On Friday the 15th of February, I organised an own clothes day at my secondary school, Ysgol Bro Pedr. The day was a complete success, with pupils and staff alike revelling in the freedom of wearing their own clothes; and supporting a meaningful charity like the British Youth Council. This blog post is to promote this new stream of fundraising for the the British Youth Council, whilst debunking any myths or queries you may have about organising your own fundraising event.

Firstly, it is really, really, easy to organise. Simply ask your Head of Year and Headteacher about the possibility. In my case, they were both more than happy to help, and were excited to raise money for such a worthwhile cause – they’d already seen the impact the the British Youth Council can have on young people from my experience on the 2018 Youth Select Committee.

Once the important people have agreed, you need to get the word out! Posters, leaflets and emails to registration teachers are the best way to make sure everyone is aware and ready for the big day. On the posters, make sure you say when and  why, not forgetting the amount to donate. Personally, I decided to ask for £1 for every pupil taking part, less than the price of your morning coffee, a pound makes the day accessible to all – without breaking the bank!

Next up, you’ve got to let the parents know, a letter home will do and will make sure kids on the day don’t forget (my mum still always reminds me about these things!).

Now, you’re all set and can only look forward to the day. On the day, snap a few pictures of your friends posing awkwardly, this is great for your own school’s publicity on social media, as well as the British Youth Council’s. Ask registration teachers to collect the money during morning registration, then the real fun begins – counting! Fortunately, my school finance department helped me out and very generously counted it all for me. From there, the school banked it, and then posted a cheque to the British Youth Council’s London HQ.

My school succeeded in raising £219 for the British Youth Council, which will now be ploughed back into vital youth services and campaigns across the UK.

My own clothes day was an absolute joy. It was so simple and quick to organise, and brightened up everyone’s day on the 15th. If you are reading this and like the idea then go for it! It is a wonderful opportunity to donate to such a worthwhile charity, is so simple to organise, and will make you very popular with your fashion-loving friends.

If you would like to organise your own fundraising event, whether an own clothes day, sponsored walk or bake sale, please do get in touch with our Head of Fundraising, on victoria.ward@byc.org.uk or call us in the office on 0207 250 8374. We would be thrilled to hear from you.