Is Creative Opps a cooperative?
We’re a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) — but our structure and spirit are deeply influenced by community cooperative values.
We believe in shared power, collaborative leadership, and centering the people we serve. That’s why our Youth Membership is designed to give young people real influence over how Creative Opps runs and grows.
While we’re not a workers’ cooperative (which is owned by employees), we function more like a community cooperative — where members contribute skills, shape decisions, and co-create opportunities that benefit everyone involved.
What is the purpose of Youth Membership?
Our aim is to democratise Creative Opps — to make sure the people most affected by our work have real input in it.
Youth Membership gives you the chance to:
- Influence how we make decisions
- Help shape the future of our programmes
- Learn, grow and lead in a space designed with your experiences in mind
If you’ve ever wanted to change how creative spaces work — this is your invitation.
How will Youth Members be involved in decision-making?
You’ll have a say in how Creative Opps operates.
As a Youth Member, you may:
- Help elect our Trustees (who govern the organisation)
- Vote on new programme ideas and pilots
- Contribute to strategy and planning sessions
- Suggest and shape what we fund, prioritise, or pursue
We’re also developing Governance Pathways so members can take on more leadership and oversight roles in future.
What does Learning & Development look like?
You’ll get access to ongoing sessions and career-building opportunities, including:
- Monthly workshops (e.g. CV building, funding bids, pitching ideas)
- Informal drop-ins for connection, reflection, and support (not recorded)
- Guest career sessions led by industry professionals in marketing & communications, fundraising and partnerships, tech, graphic design and more.
- Member-led Learning Development Sessions — design and deliver a workshop and earn £100 for your time
We’ll support you wherever you’re starting from.
What are Circles?
Circles are how we organise our work — and where your input drives real action. You’ll join based on your interests and goals.
Available Circles:
- Creative Arts: Collaborate on creative work across forms
- Finance + Fundraising: Build budgeting and funding skills
- Research + Data: Gather insights to guide strategy
Our new Circles structure allows for longer projects, clearer expectations, and optional leadership roles to help you grow.
Do I have to pay to join? Are Youth Members paid?
It’s free to join — always.
While general membership activities aren’t paid, you’ll have access to paid opportunities, including:
- Delivering Learning Development Sessions £100 per session – with terms & conditions
We’re expanding the number and types of paid opportunities throughout the programme.
What’s in it for me?
You’ll gain:
- Real-world experience on creative and community-driven projects
- A chance to shape decision-making at a growing organisation
- Career support, including tailored references and CV/portfolio feedback
- Features in our public Member Directory and “Meet Our Members” series
- A peer network of creative collaborators and mentors
- A chance to lead and be recognised — no matter your starting point
What’s the weekly time commitment?
Around 1–2 hours per week during your initial three-month trial. This includes:
- Zoom calls
- WhatsApp group conversations
- Tasks and collaborations within Circles
- Learning and development sessions
We’ll help you find a rhythm that works for your life, work or studies.
Where does everything happen?
All sessions and meetings are online (via Zoom), and we use WhatsApp for faster, more inclusive communication.
You can join from anywhere in England or Wales — you don’t need to live in a big city to get involved.
Can I still apply for other Creative Opps programmes?
Absolutely. Being a Youth Member won’t stop you from applying for things like mentoring, work placements, or funded commissions. In fact, it might even give you an edge.
Can I list this on my CV?
Definitely. Youth Membership is a great addition to your:
- CV or portfolio
- Personal website
- University or funding applications
It shows initiative, leadership, creativity, and community involvement — all things future employers and collaborators love to see.
What else is new for 2025?
- More paid opportunities for members to contribute meaningfully
- Members-only newsletter with jobs, resources, and early access to projects
- Wellbeing spaces designed for rest, connection and care (never recorded)
- In-person events — something we’re building towards more consistently
- Better access and inclusion for members facing systemic barriers
We’re also running a new recruitment drive so even more brilliant people can join. Feel free to share the application with your networks.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open now for our June 2025 Youth Membership intake.
👉 here