Facebook calls for community leaders to join program

THE Facebook Community Accelerator Program opened for applications earlier this month.

Community leaders from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are urged to apply for the program as it offers participants training, mentorship and up to $50 000 (R707 415) in funds to invest in an initiative that extends their community’s positive impact.

The aim of the Community Accelerator is to help leaders of Facebook communities to harness the power of their community to turn ideas into action. The selected leaders will spend five months learning from experts, coaches and a customised curriculum so they can strengthen their community.

Lessons include community identity foundations, leading action-oriented programs and sustainability. Participants will also receive early access to new Facebook products aimed at helping communities better manage and activate their members.

Participants will identify an important initiative that will create a positive impact on the broader world and develop a plan to mobilise their community around their goal. Initiatives will be shared with potential partners, mentors and a panel of judges for the chance to be awarded funding and receive public recognition.

Participants will then spend three months executing their initiatives.

Kiran Yoliswa, partner management lead, Middle East and Africa community partnerships at Facebook said: “Facebook communities and their leaders are helping to resolve social challenges, sharing knowledge and information, while connecting with others that share their interests or passion for a cause.

“We’ve seen so many incredible communities from across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria using our platform to drive change and provide support and encouragement for thousands of people, we’re excited to offer their Facebook Community leaders this program to help amplify their impact even more.”

This program is open to communities that have a presence in Facebook Groups with leaders who are 18 years or older.

Communities must have existed for over one year and must have a minimum size of 1 000 members. Applications are open until the end of the month.

The Community Accelerator is part of Facebook’s Community Leadership Program, a global initiative that invests in people building communities.