Success can teach us great lessons!

Responsibility

As I spent a whole day reflecting following an amazingly successful event, I realised history had repeated itself…

Risks and how to minimise them are always at the forefront of a leader\’s mind. I knew three of the most stressful tasks at a Dinner & Dance Fundraiser are managing:

1. Entrance/Front desk
2. Dinner
3. Music

I was so relieved to have Nadire\’s support at the front desk and Lyn\’s incredible management of the kitchen. However, in the absence of a responsible adult to support the management of music, I had to ask my 18 year old daughter (the Selfie Queen) to assume the responsibility. The way Mehek managed the music was absolutely mind blowing for her age and I am incredibly proud of her. I\’m sure Sandra Jerome would have been too. Psychologically I knew Mehek had the most experience and maturity to handle the demands of people requesting various changes to music. Like any other young person she struggled with that responsibility, yet I couldn\’t find anyone to support her on the night. The end result was that she fulfilled her role incredibly, but didn\’t get to enjoy the event as much. When responsibility took over, neither one of us remembered to take mother and daughter selfies. Whilst everybody else took so many memorable photos, I feel sad that I missed out on capturing that memory.

18 year old Mehek Ali (with her friend Astrid) was in charge of Music

We both obviously take responsibility very seriously, but how did I became so blind to what message we are giving young women? If we are to empower the next generation of young women to step up into leadership we need to ensure we are not spreading the message: you can\’t have fun when taking responsibility. Our actions need to reflect cultural change. Yet under pressure, what did I do? Successful parents often try to stretch their children to grow and develop. Responsibility on such young shoulders, however, can also cause anxiety. Every single young woman on the Youth Trailblazers Programme was anxious about their role on the day, even though I had huge faith in their ability to deliver and take their roles very seriously. They did say my assurance that we will make mistakes and that\’s alright, it\’s a part of the learning, helped them feel less anxious. I know I can\’t turn back the clock, but it has been a harsh lesson for me. A reminder of my own weakness, which comes from being the child who always had responsibilities. I\’m just fortunate to be learning so much from Generation Z.

Team Slay – the Youth Trailblazers

The Team were very organised and prepared for the day, although worried that turn out may be low. They were not disappointed when the number of attendees grew and we ended up with a hall full of 75 women. It was important for the girls to take responsibility, but also be supported in their roles.

19 year old Sumayyah Sheikh on front desk duty with Raffle Prizes

Sumayyah was in charge of the front desk. She was really nervous and is usually very shy so she wanted to increase her confidence. Summayah had the least experience of organising an event, yet accepted a big responsibility. I am really pleased that she did so well. I saw her willingness to learn, grow and be a part of the team. I am very proud of the progress she has made, including her enthusiastic and honest feedback during our 1-1 reflection.

15 year old Haifa Nawaz & 14 year old Alayna Nawaz on photography duty

Haifa and Alayna were responsible for the design side of things and on the day they set up photography in a Room with costumes. They initially designed the flyer for the event and on the day turned up super early to set up. They ended up being runners during the event, stepping in to help wherever they were needed. Working in pairs makes new experiences and responsibilities easier to face and I am sure it gave them great comfort.

16 year old Zayna Syed & 15 year old Zara Joomaye were joint MCs

Zayna and Zara had both told me they were afraid of public speaking before they chose to take on their fear. Bless them, they struggled with their phones as it kept locking (that\’s happened to me before) and Zara didn\’t have her glasses on. However, after their initial nerves wore off they soldiered on and even had a few laughs with the audience. I am very proud of them for owning that stage. Prior to the event Zayna had gone to trouble in preparing a video to show everyone, but on the day we had difficulty displaying it. That was a failure or difficulty that they managed to overcome whilst under pressure. They were both probably very surprised by their own abilities after Zayna managed to secure catering within a tight budget and Zara (together with Haifa) managed to convince their Head of Year at school to bake 120 cupcakes for dessert. We are very grateful to the wonderful baker Halima Dadbhoy for her generosity and contribution towards the cause.

Maxine Samuels selling beautifully handmade candles on her stall

Sanah Mir selling lovely perfume and handmade accessories on her stall

Naila Ahmed from the Creative Side of London sold unique gifts on her stall

Sabah Aslam really enjoyed running a Henna stall

Saira running a jewellery and clothes stall

This is why they say it takes a Village! We had 5 stallholders whose contributions also went towards the cause. We were fortunate enough to have Mevy from BollyX support us with a short dance performance, before opening the Dance Floor. She forced me out of my comfort zone as she paired up with me to do a short performance, following 5 mins practice in the Ladies Loo. When your reasons for fundraising are so compelling support can come in the most unexpected ways because the universe conspires for it to happen. When Sandra Jerome (Chair of Starlighters Community Theatre Group) informed me they wanted to contribute towards the cost of hiring the venue, I felt emotional. They have a Show coming up on 30th June and you know I will be there to volunteer!

When Tommy Anderson offered to pay for 4 tickets and also donated chocolates, it touched me deeply too. I thought I was being over ambitious when I set a fundraising target of £2,500 and we only raised £2,046, until the day after when a generous donor who had probably heard our target, kindly donated £500 and we beat our target!

This is what the Youth Trailblazers have learnt from their experience:

1. a Fundraiser like this can lead to so many great outcomes,
2. You cannot organise and deliver an event by yourself – you need a team,
3. It\’s hard work, but totally worth it.
4. It feels so rewarding and empowering to know we helped towards a great cause.
5. You will make lots of mistakes, it\’s a part of the learning and it\’s okay.