The beautiful story of a Hub

One month already passed since the Annual Curators Meeting 2015.

It has been an incredible event, full of beautiful experiences for the mind and the heart. However, many dear friends already wrote excellent words about it.

I want instead to tell a story - one of the many - around the ACM: the story of the Geneva hub. The ACM has been the greatest achievement, so far, of this awesome group, of which I am a proud "external" member / visiting shaper (since I’m formally part of the Turin Hub).

Geneva Shapers created a Media Team for the ACM, releasing every day a magazine to the curators, performing interviews, organizing out-of-agenda events and social activities around the city, and in general welcoming the curators like no hub ever did before.

But only a year ago, this would have never been possible, or even only imaginable.

Last year Geneva was still a sleeping hub, with few projects and few committed Shapers that were participating only as individuals, not as a team. It was very sad to see that what could have been the most connected hub of all, thanks to its proximity to the WEF, was only a fade copy of itself.

Like in the best stories of all times, this is the moment in which a core team of highly motivated and awesome Shapers decided that It was time to change the situation, and make Geneva an example for all the other hubs.

They started working on people first, then projects. At first, they established a united and strong team with the most committed Shapers, then worked on more projects ambitious, setting every time the bar higher and continuously engaging the hub members.From there, they started looking for new people that could fit in the newborn hub in terms of spirit, enthusiasm and passion. They were able to integrate them in a totally new environment, where people are alive and driven to improve the local community. The momentum kept growing.

From events like #ShapeTheWorld to the position in the final round of the Coca-Cola Challenge for Reading For Change, passing through closer interactions with the Global Shapers Team and the whole Community, Geneva hub became more engaged, active and aware of its potential.

At that point, they decided to take the ultimate challenge of the year, and make the ACM a flagship project of the hub. The result was simply beautiful.

What really excites me is to know that this is only the beginning. Quoting the curator, Luigi Matrone, "we have awakened a sleeping beauty and many other fairy tales are still to come". And I know what they are capable of!

Finally, few words to say that I am very grateful to have been accepted by this awesome group in their ranks. I’m so happy to be one of you: thank you Geneva Shapers! WHOA!!!

A better life for patients

Combining leadership with computer science, neuroscience, physics and robotics

#Meettheleader Session with Tej Tadi, founder and CEO of Mindmaze, YGL 2015

We were privileged to meet a true thought passion-driven leader: Tej Tadi, founder and CEO of Mindmaze. The company brings together computer science, neuroscience, physics and robotics to enhance the quality of life of brain trauma survivors. Tej became a Young Global Leader earlier this year for his innovative, groundbreaking work and contribution to society.

The day of our meeting was special.  August 19th followed an intensive and inspiring #ShapersACM week and this #MeetTheLeader session was also attended by the curators who were still in town. After an exciting ACM where the Global Shapers community had an opportunity to exchange ideas, the audience was particularly eager to learn about new innovations.

Tej’s path and life can be a true inspiration for all of us. While he was working on his PhD in neuroscience at the EPFL, he witnessed first-hand that the methods used to treat patients suffering from brain traumatism, particularly those who had experienced a stroke, were not advanced and mostly based on the qualitative observation of the treating doctor during his visit rather than quantitative data and continuous monitoring of the patient. Likewise, available treatments were very limited and therefore patients’ recovery was, in many cases, compromised by this lack of medical options. He started thinking about creative ways to combine engineering and healthcare to address these problems.

This out of the box thinking was very much needed. Indeed, cerebrovascular accidents or Strokes are a global socio-economic problem. About 15 million people suffer strokes every year, which translates into a stroke every 45 seconds. Because of the challenges related to modern society and changing behavioral patterns, there has been a 180% increase in the stroke rate in recent years, and strokes now affect people as young as 30 years old – in some cases even 16 years old. Cerebrovascular accidents represent a huge financial burden as well: the U.S. and Western Europe alone spend about 100 billion in stroke care every year.

In 2011, Tej founded MindMaze with the intent to design and develop novel applications in Neuro-Rehabilitation, Game training & Interfaces. In particular, MindMaze’s devices use virtual reality, brain imaging and gaming technologies to retrain the brain of stroke victims and help them regain motor functions. The company recently caused a stir with the introduction of the industry’s first thought-powered, augmented reality and motion capture Neuro-Rehabilitation system. Basically, by monitoring the patient’s brain signals the devices are capable of translating the thought into an animation on the screen. In other words, the system tricks the brain into believing it’s functioning properly which helps the recovery of damaged cerebral regions.

This technology’s field of application can also be scaled up. Because of this symbiosis between augmented reality and the patient brain and thought, there are possibilities it can also help people who suffered spinal cord injuries, limb amputations and many other conditions.

During our meeting, Tej also shared some insights on his experience on starting a business and more generally on the Swiss start-up ecosystem. “It doesn’t take experience to have an idea, but it does take experience to take this idea to the market,” he said, highlighting that the journey from developing the first device and getting it to patients was quite long and complicated. This is why Tej encouraged everyone to not be afraid of making mistakes and to learn from them as much as possible; “If you want to start something the time is now; if you want to fail something, the time is also now!”.

In 2014, MindMaze was confirmed among the TOP 100 Best Swiss startups. The future priorities for Tej include making the devices more affordable and available in emerging markets. He stressed that time is very important for them: “For every day we ‘waste’ someone is not getting the device that can help improve their lives”.

If you’d like to learn more about Tej’s work and the devices produced by MindMaze visit their website MindMaze.com or follow MindMaze on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo credit: Geneva Hub

An Interview with Guillame Barazzone

On the occasion of the Annual Curators Meeting (ACM) 2015, taking place from 13 to 17 August in Geneva, Guillame Barazzone, Young Global Leader (YGL) 2015, gave an exclusive interview to the Geneva Hub Media Team, which will be featured in their daily ACM magazine. This week, he will be attending the Annual YGL Summit, also held in Geneva.

Guillaume is a Swiss politician and member of the Swiss Christian Democratic Party (CDP). He was elected to the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva in 2012 and re-elected in 2015, and has been member of the Swiss National Council since December 2013. He holds a master's degree in law (L.L.M.) from Columbia Law School in New York. He has also studied at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Columbia University.

Congratulations on your recent appointment as YGL in 2015. Can you tell us about your experience in this community so far? What do you like the most about being a YGL?

My experience has been limited so far, since I have only been a part of YGL for few months. That said, I have recently met very interesting Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers in Geneva. I am amazed by the various backgrounds and experiences of the members of the YGL community. It is a great opportunity for Geneva to host the YGL Annual Summit. I am excited about attending my first YGL event in my home town!

Having started your political career in Switzerland and in the Geneva Canton, you have gained significant knowledge of the area.In your opinion, what are the characteristics that make Geneva such a special place?

Geneva is Switzerland’s most international and multicultural city. Of its 480,000 inhabitants, 41% are foreigners representing 184 nationalities. This is very unusual for such a small city. Geneva’s global GDP is $51.6 billion. Its per capita of $108k, is one of the highest in the world. The healthy economic environment, combined with a steady political system, has ve been core in developing sustainable and diversified growth. The region’s economic layout includes many leading multinational headquarters, prominent financial institutions, international organization and NGOs, as well as a strong layer of diverse local service and industrial businesses. Geneva’s strong international purpose has made it the host of more than 95 international organizations, programs or institutes such as the UNO, WHO, WTO, WIPO, CERN and ICRC. Over 200 international NGOs and nonprofit organizations are registered in Geneva.

What has been the focus of your political action over the years? What are the areas you have tried to improve and how?

In Geneva, my main focus has been security and the environment. During the past 3 years we have developed the “proximity police” of Geneva and increased by 50% the number of policemen.

Our goal is to make Geneva one of the greenest cities in Europe. For that purpose, we are developing many “pocket parks” to increase the quality of the city urbanism.

As a member of the Swiss parliament, I was mainly involved in the drafting of the regulations on financial reform. My main focus was to ensure that Switzerland could implement the new GAFI (Groupe d'Action Financière Internationale, also know as Financial Action Task Force) rules regarding anti money laundering and effectively fight the financing of terrorism. We are also making sure that the Swiss financial institutions remain competitive and innovative.

According to the Tribune de Genève, you are one of the most influential members of parliament in 2015 rankings. How do you manage to keep a close link with your electorate, and particularly to engage youth?Being able to play a political role at the local level is vital. Meeting regularly with my constituents in the different neighborhoods of Geneva is very important to keep a close link with the electorate. It gives you new ideas and is the only way to really understand their concerns. Swiss people are regularly asked to vote on particular issues and this also helps keeping people engaged. As regards youth, social media is probably the most important communication channel.

In May, you have been reelected in the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva. What challenges will Geneva have to face in the coming years?

Geneva will have to face new challenges. The end of banking secrecy is one of them. The Swiss financial industry is becoming one of the most transparent in the world. In the future, Geneva can become an international hub for financial innovation and sustainable finance.

The continued strength of the Swiss franc against the US dollar and Euro, originating from Switzerland’s safe-haven status, has affected Geneva, which heavily depends on exports for its internationally orientated financial, trading and watch industries. In addition to currency pressure, the OECD’s has challenged Switzerland on its favorable tax structure for multinational companies (multinationals benefit from a 12% rate).

The stable economic environment and strong Swiss Franc have led to high labour costs and housing prices (the vacant house ratio is below 0.5%).

Geneva is perceived as expensive and unattractive in terms of living. This negative perception remains a challenge in attracting tourism, talent, and modernization. Additionally, the relatively solid economic situation has put little pressure on government and local businesses to reposition themselves.

In 2013, the Swiss nationalist party launched  a general referendum on immigration was launched by the Swiss nationalist party. On 9 February 2014, Swiss voters narrowly backed this controversial referendum proposal to bring back strict quotas for immigration from European Union countries. Final results showed 50.3% voted in favour (people from Geneva voted against it). This vote is catastrophic for Switzerland and Geneva because it could render the Swiss-EU agreement on freedom of movement moot. It further jeopardizes other Swiss-EU agreements on trade, air and road traffic, agriculture, science, research and education. While other cantons have more flexible options, Geneva is at the center of the issue, as its international organizations, NGO’s and multinational companies are greatly exposed to potentially restrictive immigration policy.

What are your expectations from your first YGL meeting? It is a great opportunity for Geneva to host the YGL Annual Summit.

I consider this first YGL meeting as a unique opportunity to acquaint myself with other YGLs, with which I hope to develop a fruitful relationship over the years. I am sure I will learn a great deal from my peers, and looking forward to exchanging views and acting as each other’s sounding board.

I am excited about attending my first YGL event in my hometown!

As today’s leader, what is your advice for tomorrow’s leaders, in particular for the Curators attending the Global Shapers Annual Curators Meeting (ACM) this week in Geneva?

Always be yourself and never pretend to be someone else. People will trust you as a leader because of your own personality and skills, and will turn away from someone who seems a fake.

For updates on the ACM 2015 follow the Geneva hub on Twitter @GenevaShapers and Facebook at Geneva Hub. Use the official hashtag #ShapersACM. Other hashtags include #ACM2015 & #ShapeTheWorld.

#shapersacm Media Team 2015

This week, from 13 to 17 August 2015, over 450 curators will gather together in Geneva for the Global Shapers Annual Curators Meeting (ACM), hosted and organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Every year, the ACM aims to energize and strengthen the Global Shapers community. The curators of each city hub in the network have the opportunity to exchange project ideas, interact with WEF staff on pressing global issues, and strengthen cross-hub links.

For the Geneva Hub, this will be an important week, and this year more so, given the exceptional supporting role that it will be playing. In fact, the Geneva Shapers are proud to announce that, for the first time, they have been tasked to assist the Forum in its Media activity during the ACM. More specifically, the hub established an ACM Media Team, composed by about 20 of its shapers and structured in the following way:

This team will focus its work on three main areas:

• Production of an informative, fun, and easy to read daily ACM Magazine

• Organization of social events for the curators, to get to know each other better and let them discover Geneva

• Social media action, to engage shapers at home and inspire those outside the community

The daily ACM Magazine will provide curators with a recap of the previous day, in-depth interviews with some Young Global Leaders (who will be also in Geneva from 10 to 14 August for the YGL Annual Summit), interviews with other fellow curators, information on upcoming events, what to do in Geneva, and much more.

In order to prepare for this special week, the Geneva Hub organized an intensive weekend retreat at the Maison de la Paix, thanks to the continued hospitality of Interpeace. Everyone in the team put a lot of energy and passion in the different preparation activities: from writing articles, to graphic design, video training, social media, and interviews scheduling, just to mention a few.

The Geneva Hub Media Team is very excited to welcome all the amazing curators attending the ACM and is looking forward to continue shaping the world together.

For updates on the ACM 2015 follow the Geneva hub on Twitter @GenevaShapers and Facebook at Geneva Hub, in addition to the official Global Shapers social media accounts.Use the official hashtag #ShapersACM. Other hashtags include #ACM2015 & #ShapeTheWorld.

Photo credit: Geneva Hub

It's time for peace!

“It’s time for peace!” is the very appropriate theme of this year’s Geneva Peace Talks in light of daily news about rising levels of conflict and violence in many parts of the world. The Geneva hub of the Global Shapers is again partnering with the Geneva Peace Talks to inspire people from all walks of life to take action for peace.

Many of today’s crises do not only require holistic solutions, but also point to the need for greater efforts to prevent the eruption of violent conflict in the first place. To that end, fostering the inclusion of all different social groups in a society is an important endeavour. Making sure everyone has access to economic opportunities, political participation, social connections and feels a sense of belonging is not only a moral imperative, but a prerequisite for everyone to enjoy peace.

At the same time, the prevailing sense of gloom also blinds us to the strengths that reside in many societies which experience conflict. As one of Interpeace’s local Somali peacebuilders once said “A failed state does not mean a failed people”.

Co-organized by the United Nations at Geneva, Interpeace, and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, the Geneva Peace Talks expands the space for dialogue about building peace and resolving conflict. Through individual Peace Talks, speakers from different sectors and countries share their personal stories, ideas and practical solutions to resolve and prevent conflict.

The Geneva Peace Talks also illustrate that everyone of us has a role to play for peace to take root in our societies. Peace is not only a task of governments, the international community, and NGOs. Peace is not only something conflict-affected countries strive for. Peace is everyone’s business, no matter where you live and what you do.

In this vein, the Geneva hub of the Global Shapers is engaging with local organisations in Geneva who support marginalised communities and try to foster their integration into society, such as l’Espace Solidaire de Paquis, La Roseraie etc.

Have you thought of reaching out to someone in your environment who is experiencing any form of exclusion? It’s time for peace! Get inspired by the Geneva Peace Talks.

This year’s Geneva Peace Talks take place at the Palais des Nations on 18 September from 16.30h to 18.00h. Registration is required and will open on 17 August. The event is also live webcast. For more information or to tune in, go to http://peacetalks.net/peace_talks/geneva-peace-talks-2015/

Photo credit: Interpeace

Geneva hub hosts its Annual Workshop

On a beautiful, sunny (and very hot!) Sunday, 12 July, in Geneva, the Geneva hub hosted its Annual Workshop. Thanks to the hospitality of Interpeace, the Shapers were able to run a day-long workshop in their beautiful office in the Maison de la Paix, a brand new building part of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies located at the heart of International Geneva.

The workshop served as a great opportunity to discuss the values of the hub and how they relate to the broader mission of the Global Shapers Community. Following an interactive group exercise, three main values were identified: Impact (Our projects are driven by the real needs of our community); Connector (Being based in Geneva we have a special responsibility in bringing the other hubs and shapers together); Growth (We learn from each other to become better leaders.

Through this workshop, the Geneva hub was also able to welcome and get to know some of the new shapers that have just been recruited. Moreover, having a couple of teambuilding activities in the fantastic Perle du Lac parc served as a perfect way to strengthen ties between shapers.

Finally, on this occasion shapers had the opportunity to discuss how to scale up existing projects, as well as to propose new ones for the upcoming months. Some of the most popular project areas suggested were education, innovation, technology and food.

In addition, shapers discussed their engagement in the upcoming Annual Curators Meeting, held in Geneva from 13 to 17 Geneva. Over 400 curators will be attending this important meeting and we are looking forward to welcoming all them.

Overall, the workshop was very successful and the hub decided to host it every six month, as a way to ensure coordination and share information on our activities. All the shapers who participated were very happy with the outcome and felt even more motivated to contribute to the activities of the hub for a positive impact in our local community and beyond.

Women in leadership

On May 8th the Geneva Shapers met with two leaders of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Helen Alderson - Director of financial resources and logistics - and Carla Mardini – Head of External Resources.

Over the past months, growing humanitarian needs (Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Israel and the Occupied Territories, South Sudan, Central African Republic, just to name a few) have led the ICRC to set operational objectives of an unprecedented magnitude. The ICRC faces operational challenges in conducting humanitarian action that it cannot address on its own. It must look across sectors to tackle some of these crucial issues, particularly in the corporate, entrepreneurship and innovation communities. At the heart of these rapid changes are two women, Helen Alderson and Carla Mardini, who are leading the institution in uncharted waters. Geneva Shapers, together with visiting shapers from Jeddah and Erbil hubs, discussed how to better #ShapeTheWorld with these two inspiring leaders. As Helen Alderson suggested “We need more young people to lead and take important decisions”.

We also took the opportunity to conduct a short interview (transcript below) with them on taking up leadership positions, their role models, and advice they would give to the younger generations.

What advice would you give to someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Helen Alderson: “When you take up a leadership role for the first time my advice is to spend most of your time listening to be able to diagnose the situation. The first 90 days (Sic. Reference to the best-seller ‘The First 90 days’, on transitions into leadership positions by Harvard professor Michael Watkins) in your new position are crucial and will very much determine your overall success. You need to understand what type of leadership role you are taking, are you in a startup situation, a turnaround, or is it about sustaining success?  Based on that assessment you need to identify a few clear measures that have to be taken.”

Carla Mardini: “Based on my own professional experience having led teams of 25 to 40 people, one of the key issues is knowing who is “on the bus”, i.e., who is on your team. Before you embark on setting out a strategy and making a plan of action, the people you have on your team should be your first priority. Choosing the right people and having people on your team who have competencies you don’t have is crucial.”

Who has inspired you the most and why?

Helen Alderson: “I didn’t have a professional role model until late, but on a personal level it was my father. He was very successful in his professional life as an executive, but also very present in the family as a father. He managed this balance very well and had a great level of integrity in the way he conducted his work. He was also very inspiring to us. On the professional level my first role model was my boss at the World Heart Federation. She was also someone who balanced her personal and professional life very well, managing dual careers and her family. She was also a great motivator and very inspiring to her team. Moreover, she always brought her team, rather than herself, to the front giving them the credit for achievements.”

Carla Mardini: “I have discovered Sheryl Sandberg (sic: COO Facebook), quite late, but am very impressed by her. She has done so much for the younger generation. Her book ‘Lean In’ and the simple things she explains in there are crucial. Women should dare stay in the workforce and not drop out before the question really poses itself. Nowadays women are leaving before they reach the top because they have difficulties managing work life imbalance: we need to make sure they stay longer!”

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Helen Alderson: “I would do a lot of the things I did, I have very few regrets luckily. However, I would be more aware of the choices I am making and decision I am taking. I would also be more deliberate into taking a stand rather than getting pushed into situations.”

Carla Mardini: “One of the things I would advise is to learn several languages when you are young. I recently hired someone who told me that if you don’t speak 3 or 4 languages, it is hard to survive in the world we live in today. I am Lebanese and we often speak several languages, but I should have learned Chinese when I was younger. Now that I am 39 years old, it is a little late. Languages open up opportunities that are invaluable, and also give you access to a new culture, a new world and that in-itself is very enriching.”

Thanks a lot to Helen and Carla for inspiring the Shapers at the Geneva Hub and beyond. Special thanks to our Shapers Alessandra La Vaccara and Yannick Heiniger for organizing this great #MeetTheLeaders event.

A new Hub is part of the community: the Lyon Hub!

“With great power comes great responsibility”

I have always considered this quote, from a well-known hero of our times, as a guiding one for me and my life. This applies to the Global Shapers Community as well: it is the root of our existence and the leading engine of our actions.

I believe that, in this case, “power” means experience, knowledge, passion, while “responsibility” means giving back. For example, mentoring projects - as the Geneva hub’s one - or in general Shapers supporting and assisting other hubs in their path toward growth and success are great ways of giving back to our local and global Community.T

hat is exactly why I had no hesitations in going to Lyon when Laurent Javaudin, the Founding Curator, invited me to attend their official inauguration.

It was an absolute honor to represent Geneva and Turin and to be part of this historical moment for France, as the newborn hub has already become an official association according to the French law and a couple of projects are already in the pipeline. Four highly motivated people, Zoé, Jimmy, Alexandre and Laurent, are ready to shape their city and make it a reference model for this great nation. And I am sure they will do a great job!

Headquartered in one of the most problematic districts in the city that happens to also be one of its most innovative coworking spaces, the new hub is in the perfect location to concentrate impact and deliver results that can positively affect the community. The proposed hub projects are focused on educational and social issues, both original to the hub and imported from other hubs.

On that beautiful evening, the topics discussed ranged from the entire Shapers Community to the local problems of Lyon such as youth unemployment and integration. We also talked about structuring and creating the foundation of the new hub. In particular, we were able to take into account best practices - and errors - from other cities and accordingly tailor the rules regarding recruitment, projects, activities as well as team building events and general hub life.

Personally, it was a highly enriching experience and I am grateful to Laurent and the Lyon hub for having hosted me and made me part of their new family. Merci beaucoup Mes Amis ! Un grand futur vous attend !

An important day at the Swiss Parliament

On Tuesday, 16 June, a group of Shapers from Geneva, Zurich and Bern had the great opportunity to visit the Swiss Parliament, also known as Federal Palace, in Bern. The purpose of this event was to provide shapers with a better understanding of the Swiss parliamentary system and to foster interactions between Swiss hubs and local politicians.

This special visit was organized by four Swiss Young Global Leaders (YGLs): Congresswoman Christa Markwalder from the Canton of Berne (YGL 2011), Congressman Guillaume Barazzone from the Canton of Geneva (YGL 2015), Senator Pascale Bruderer Wyss from the Canton of Aargau (YGL 2009) and Congressman Thomas Aeschi from the Canton of Zurich (YGL 2014), all of whom are involved in politics and are affiliated with four different parties. This visit, which represents the first YGL event of the year in Switzerland, was also attended by other YGL alumni, including Christoph Sutter (YGL 2009), Samuel Elia (YGL 2012), and Georges Kern (YGL 2005).

Two exceptional guides, Pascale and Christa, accompanied Shapers and YGLs. In addition to explaining how the Parliament works and describing the beautiful art of the palace, they were also happy to talk about the reasons why they chose this career and share interesting insights about their personal experiences in politics.

Pascale is a member of the Social Democratic Party and has been a Member of the Parliament of Switzerland since 2002. She started her career in politics motivated by the need to secure equal rights for people with disabilities. Her main focus lies on energy policy, social services and education.

Christa started her political career as a Member of the Municipal Council of Burgdorf and the Parliament of the Canton of Berne. In 2003, she was elected Member of the National Council, the House of Representatives in the Swiss Parliament, for the Liberal Democratic Party. She currently co-chairs various parliamentary groups on renewable energy, ecologically sustainable economies, relations with Eastern Europe and promotion of voluntary work.

Given the international nature of the Geneva Hub, this visit was particularly helpful to get Geneva Shapers closer to the Swiss community and have a better impact through our projects locally. It also represented a fantastic opportunity to strengthen ties between YGLs and Shapers across Switzerland.  To continue along this path, the Geneva Hub is excited to host Shapers from Bern and Zurich on 11 July to work together and gather new ideas on how to improve our own communities.

We have summarized a few interesting facts about the Parliamentary system in Switzerland. Enjoy the read!

• The Federal Assembly is bicameral, composed of the National Council and the Council of States. The houses have identical powers.

• The National Council has 200 members elected in their canton of residence for a four-year term. The number of seats allocated to each canton is based on their relative populations.

• The Council of States has 46 members elected for a four-year term according to cantonal rules. Each canton has two seats, with the exception of Obwalden, Nidwalden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Appenzell-Innerrhoden and Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, which have one seat each.

• The Federal Assembly possesses the federal government's legislative power, along with the separate constitutional right of citizen's initiative. For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both houses.

• The Federal Assembly normally convenes in Bern four times a year, in spring, summer, autumn and winter. These ordinary sessions last for three weeks and are open to the public.

• On average, members of both chambers devote around 60% of their working hours to their parliamentary duties; most of them have a career not related to the Parliament.

• Switzerland's National Day is Open Day at the Parliament Building. On 1 August, the presidents of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly traditionally address the public and answer their questions.

The Reading for Change Blueprint

rfc-logo_2

Reading for Change (www.readingforchange.ch) is a project by the Geneva hub to help improve integration, foster employability and give access to education to vulnerable groups of our local community.

More specifically, we do this by collecting second-hand technologies such as ebook readers, laptops, MP3-players, mobiles phones and more, uploading them with educational content, and eventually distribute these pre-loaded devices to our partner organizations so that they can use them for specific trainings and courses. This way, we make sure that the devices are put to use in the most effective way. As the devices are donated to us and the educational content is taken from free creative commons licensed sources, our incremental cost for each new device is virtually zero. This means that we can scale up our impact very quickly!

That's why, after the initial success in our local community, we are now scaling Reading for Change globally by partnering with other hubs of the Global Shapers Community.  Since our hub has already set up all the IT infrastructure and processes, we want to provide an easy, concise and yet comprehensive blueprint for reapplying the project in all our fellow hubs. We are certain that this combination of rapid local execution and seamless global reproduction can help improve the lives of millions of people around the world. If you'd like to request a copy of the Reading for Change Blueprint or any futher information about this project, please contact us at info@readingforchange.ch  We hope your hub will find this tool useful to start a great project to help your local community!