Welcome Home, Change Maker.

SUSO Change Maker Platform

Belong. Grow. Change the World.

You don’t need to have it all figured out to start making a difference.

Bring your dreams, your ideas, your talents and your energy. Find your people, discover your potential, and become part of a movement where young people grow together, lead together and turn their passion into action.

Your journey as a SUSONIAN starts here.

Join the Movement → Explore the Platform
Young SUSONIANS connecting, laughing and celebrating together outdoors

A Movement You Join. A Journey You Shape.

More than volunteering. More than membership. A community of changemakers in action.

The SUSO Change Maker Platform is your doorway into Stand Up Shout Out (SUSO), a youth-led movement where people from different backgrounds, with different talents and dreams, come together to make a difference.

Here, you don’t just sign up for activities. You become part of a community that believes in you, challenges you to grow and creates opportunities for you to contribute, learn, take responsibility and lead.

Whether your passion lies in conservation, community development, advocacy, creativity, communications or somewhere entirely different, there’s a place for you to explore how your abilities can make a difference.

Rooted in Ubuntu and driven by our spirit of Mobilize. Organize. Implement., the Platform connects individual potential with collective action.

Because being a changemaker isn’t just about what you do. It’s also about who you become along the way.

A Community to Call Your Own

Find your people. Build friendships, discover shared purpose and become part of a community where every contribution matters.

A Space to Become More

Explore your abilities, learn through experience, discover new possibilities and grow into greater responsibility.

A Movement That Takes Action

Turn ideas into initiatives, work alongside others and contribute to meaningful change in communities and landscapes.

The SUSONIAN Spirit
We help ignite the spark
and give you a home to grow

There’s More in You. Let’s Discover It Together.

Every changemaker starts somewhere. Some arrive with big dreams. Others arrive with questions, curiosity or simply the desire to do something meaningful. Wherever you’re starting from, the SUSO Change Maker Platform is a place to explore your potential, discover new opportunities and grow alongside people who believe in making a difference.

Being a SUSONIAN means more than participating in activities. It means becoming part of a community where your ideas matter, your contributions count and your journey of growth is just as important as the change we create together.

Young people building friendships and connections at a SUSO gathering

Find Your People

Build friendships and meaningful connections with young people who share your desire to make a difference.

A young person learning new skills through hands-on experience

Discover What You’re Capable Of

Explore your talents, strengthen your skills, gain confidence and discover new abilities.

Volunteers turning passion into action on a community project

Turn Passion Into Action

Contribute to real projects and initiatives, and experience change beyond the classroom or workplace.

A young SUSONIAN taking on responsibility and leading a group

Grow Into Leadership

Take on new responsibilities, help shape initiatives and develop the confidence to lead.

SUSONIANS connecting with mentors, networks and collaborators

Open Doors to Opportunity

Connect with learning, mentorship, networks and collaborations that support your journey.

A large group of young changemakers part of one movement

Be Part of Something Bigger

Join a growing movement whose collective actions make a difference in communities and beyond.

Come with potential. Leave your footprints.
And discover just how far your journey can take you.

Your Passion Has a Place Here.

There is no single way to change the world.

Maybe you’re passionate about protecting nature, standing up for communities, influencing decisions, telling powerful stories or bringing people together. Maybe you’re still figuring out what excites you. That’s okay too!

At SUSO, we believe every young person has something valuable to contribute. The Change Maker Platform gives you opportunities to explore different interests, share your talents, learn new skills and turn your ideas into meaningful action.

Find what moves you. Discover where you can make a difference.

Nature & Conservation

Protect wildlife, restore landscapes and champion a future where people and nature thrive together.

Advocacy & Policy

Explore important issues, engage in public conversations and help shape decisions affecting our future.

Community & Social Impact

Work alongside communities to address challenges and build practical solutions that improve lives.

Media, Arts & Storytelling

Use photography, video, writing, design and art to inspire people and amplify important stories.

Leadership & Learning

Develop skills, learn from mentors, facilitate conversations and grow into opportunities to lead.

Ideas, Innovation & Action

Bring ideas, help organise initiatives, solve problems and turn ambitious thinking into practical action.

Still Figuring It Out?

You don’t have to choose your path before you begin. Come curious. Try something new. Discover what lights you up.

Every Change Maker Has a Beginning. This Could Be Yours.

Every SUSONIAN has a story. And every story starts with a first step.

You don’t need years of experience, a perfect CV or all the answers. What matters is your willingness to learn, contribute, work with others and make a difference.

At SUSO, your journey doesn’t stop when you sign up. It grows with you, opening new opportunities to participate, develop your abilities, take responsibility and lead.

Your journey. Your growth. Our movement.

How to Get Started

  1. 01 — Take the First Step
    Complete the Platform application and tell us about yourself, your interests and what inspires you.
  2. 02 — Let Us Get to Know You
    Our team reviews applications. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to submit a short introductory video.
  3. 03 — Welcome to the Movement
    Successful applicants receive confirmation and an invitation to orientation.
  4. 04 — Discover Your SUSONIAN Home
    Meet fellow changemakers, explore SUSO’s values and learn how to participate.
  5. 05 — Start Making Your Mark
    Begin contributing, learning, connecting and discovering where you can make a difference.

How Your Journey Can Grow

  1. Entry Tier — Discover & Contribute
    Participate, meet fellow SUSONIANS and begin putting your interests into action.
  2. SUSONIAN Member — Grow & Take Ownership
    Deepen involvement, build skills, contribute consistently and take greater responsibility.
  3. Senior SUSONIAN — Lead & Inspire
    Help guide activities, mentor fellow members and strengthen teams.
  4. Platform Coordination Committee — Shape & Guide
    Support coordination and help shape the experiences of future changemakers.

Your Chapter May Change. Your Story With SUSO Continues.
Through the wider SUSONIAN community and alumni network, changemakers can stay connected, share opportunities, mentor others and continue contributing to the movement.

This Is What Change Looks Like.

Big dreams. Small beginnings. Extraordinary people.

Across communities, classrooms, conservation landscapes and spaces where important decisions are made, SUSONIANS are turning ideas into action. Sometimes it begins with a conversation. Sometimes with a group of friends deciding to do something about a problem. Sometimes with someone discovering a talent they never knew they had. And sometimes, it begins with simply showing up.

Different people. Different passions. One movement of changemakers in action.

Real People. Real Stories.
MABINGWA gathering where strangers become SUSONIANS, sharing connection and celebration

The People

Where Strangers Become SUSONIANS — MABINGWA connections, friendship and celebration.

SUSONIANS showing up and working together on a community action project

The Action

Showing Up. Working Together.

Young people engaging in public conversation and policy participation

The Voice

Young People Belong in the Conversation.

Community-led grassland and conservation restoration work

The Impact

Growing Hope in the Grasslands.

A young person discovering creativity and confidence through art

The Possibility

Discovering What You’re Capable Of.

More Than the Work We Do.

The memories we make. The people we become. The change we create. And the next story? It could be yours. Every SUSONIAN brings something different to the movement. What will you bring?

Join the Movement →

Got Questions? We’ve Got You.

Joining something new comes with questions, and that’s okay! Here’s what you need to know about becoming a SUSONIAN, finding your place and starting your journey.

Getting to Know SUSO

The SUSO Change Maker Platform is the official entry point into Stand Up Shout Out (SUSO). It is a community where young people connect, contribute their talents, explore opportunities, develop skills and grow into leadership while creating meaningful change.

We welcome young people from different backgrounds, including students, young professionals and community-based changemakers. Applicants must meet applicable eligibility requirements and demonstrate alignment with SUSO’s mission and values.

Not necessarily! We value your motivation, willingness to learn and desire to contribute. Previous experience can help, but a lack of experience does not automatically disqualify you.

Opportunities may include conservation, wildlife and biodiversity, community development, education, advocacy, media, storytelling, research, events, operations and more. Available activities depend on SUSO’s current programmes and needs.

Absolutely! You can select multiple interests in your application to help us understand where you may wish to contribute.

Applying & Joining

Complete the online application form with your contact details, background, interests, skills, availability and motivation for joining. The SUSO team will review your submission and communicate next steps.

No. Every application is reviewed. We consider motivation, alignment with SUSO’s values, availability, interests, relevant skills and communication.

You should receive an acknowledgement by email. The team will review your application and communicate the outcome or next steps. The process may include an introductory video before acceptance and orientation.

Review timelines may vary. We will communicate expected timelines when confirmed. Please check your inbox, including spam or junk folders.

You will receive information about orientation, onboarding, expectations and ways to get involved. Orientation covers SUSO’s mission, values, code of conduct, safeguarding responsibilities and communication channels.

Participation & Opportunities

Yes, if your availability is compatible with the activities you accept. Share your schedule and preferred participation level in the application.

Some activities may allow virtual or hybrid participation, depending on the opportunity. You can indicate your preferred engagement format.

Not necessarily. Some activities involve fieldwork or travel; others do not. Requirements and arrangements should be communicated before you commit.

Volunteering is generally unpaid. Any stipend, reimbursement or other support depends on the specific opportunity and confirmed arrangements.

Not necessarily. Placement depends on opportunities, interests, skills, availability and programme needs. Joining does not guarantee an immediate assignment.

Yes. The SUSONIAN journey includes opportunities to develop abilities and take on responsibility. Progression is subject to the Platform’s membership framework.

Support, Privacy & Responsibilities

Act responsibly, respect communities and wildlife, collaborate with others, follow SUSO policies and safeguarding guidance, communicate appropriately and honour accepted commitments.

Application information helps SUSO review submissions, communicate and support onboarding and participation. Access should be limited to authorised personnel. Review the published privacy notice for details.

You may be photographed or recorded for documentation or communications. Applicable consent forms will explain how images or recordings may be used.

Contact the designated Platform support team through the official website contact details and describe the issue so the team can advise you.

The Next Change Maker Could Be You.

Every movement is made of people who decided to take a first step.

People with dreams, ideas, questions, talents and the courage to discover what they could become.

You don’t have to know exactly where your journey will lead. You just have to be willing to begin.

There’s a community ready to welcome you, experiences waiting to shape you, and a world that needs what you have to offer.

Your story as a SUSONIAN starts here.

Join the Movement →

No previous volunteering experience required. Applications are reviewed before acceptance.

Belong. Grow. Change the World.