Mobility Champions

 
India has some of the most polluted and congested cities in the world. While an increasing number of people are moving into our cities, our urban infrastructure is not built to sustain this influx. The end result is increased commute times, mental fatigue and loss of productivity. Estimates suggest that traffic jams in just four Indian cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata – cost India more than $22 billion annually.
 
Given the ever-increasing fleet of private vehicles and disorganised mobility systems, India needs to re-envision its cities to make its urban landscape more liveable and sustainable. You, as citizens, can be the agents of change!
 
See:   Redefining urban mobility   |   Mobility Champions – Student Ambassadors   |   Previous editions   |   FAQs
 


Building a cadre of Mobility Champions

 
As part of the Sustainable Mobility Network (SMN), YLAC has joined hands with leading organisations to remodel the urban mobility landscape in India. As a member of this network, YLAC focuses on identifying and grooming passionate young residents as Mobility Champions to drive a positive change in urban mobility. Our aim is to mobilise citizen advocates to push the agenda on sustainable mobility via policy and advocacy.
 
The Mobility Champions initiative was first launched under the aegis of the #BengaluruMoving campaign in August 2020 where a variety of mediums such as street art, vlogging, etc. were used to advocate for sustainable mobility. Building on the foundation of our work under this campaign, we expanded the initiative in 2021 by instituting a hub in Delhi, while growing the cadre of Mobility Champions in Bengaluru. We have successfully run consecutive editions of Mobility Champions since then. The initiative is now going to be back in 2025, but in a new avatar – with a specific focus on identifying students ambassadors!
 
No applications are open at this time, but you can browse through the details below to understand the structure of the program. You can also sign up below or follow us on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram) for information on similar initiatives that may be organized in the future.

See:   Redefining urban mobility   |   Mobility Champions – Student Ambassadors   |   Previous editions   |   FAQs  


 

Mobility Champions – Student Ambassadors

 
The Mobility Champions – Student Ambassadors program is designed as a three-month-long engagement, wherein passionate young undergraduate students, living and studying in Delhi NCR will be nurtured as ‘Mobility Champions’ to amplify the movement on sustainable mobility. Students can apply individually or in pairs.

To increase the effectiveness of the engagement, YLAC will partner with prominent organisations working on sustainable mobility in Delhi NCR. Each selected Champion will engage with and learn from a partner organisation for the duration of the program, with YLAC anchoring the capacity-building sessions and mentorship. The program will equip selected champion ambassadors with the leadership, advocacy, and storytelling skills needed to tackle the challenges of sustainable urban mobility in a rapidly urbanising city. Through a student-led, part-time engagement model, participants will develop and execute micro-campaigns to raise public awareness and inspire action on critical mobility issues, contributing to the broader #SmartStreetDelhi campaign aimed at enhancing liveability in the city.
 
The themes for the Delhi program will be non-motorised transport, accessibility, gender safety, and ease of mobility.
 


Role Description

The Champions are expected to:

  • Actively participate in campaign-related activities over a three-month period to advocate for the adoption of identified solutions
  • Design and implement online and offline campaigns, such as nukkad nataks, public soap boxes, and social media campaigns, to engage various stakeholders, including policymakers and citizen groups
  • Collaborate closely with partner organisations to support ongoing projects and campaigns on the issue
  • Attend capacity-building sessions and regular check-ins with the YLAC team or partner organisations

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Students currently pursuing undergraduate degrees from colleges in Delhi NCR can apply individually or in pairs
  • Must be passionate about advocacy, activism, and transforming their city
  • Must be physically based in Delhi NCR from January to March 2025
  • Strong ability to present information in a structured, insightful manner with excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proactive and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
  • Application Deadline: 30 November (Saturday), 11.59 PM

Duration & Time Commitment

  • Three-month-long, part-time engagement
  • 10-12 hours of time commitment per ambassador per week
  • Availability for five 2-3 hour long skill development sessions on 18th, 19th, 25th January and 1st, 2nd February 2025
  • Attend check-in sessions with YLAC and partner organisations to share progress and receive feedback on your campaigns every two weeks

Compensation & Perks

  • A nominal stipend of Rs. 5,000 per month per ambassador for the duration of the program to support the cost of running the online and offline campaigns
  • Opportunity to lead from the front to change your city through citizen activism, while engaging in research and advocacy in the rapidly evolving mobility landscape
  • Opportunity to work closely with organisations doing meaningful and high impact work in the area of sustainable mobility
  • An intellectually stimulating environment with access to skill-building avenues and a strong community of change-makers

 
See:   Redefining urban mobility   |   Mobility Champions – Student Ambassadors   |   Previous editions   |   FAQs

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Are we eligible to apply?

Students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree and based in Delhi NCR can apply individually or in pairs. Applicants can belong to different colleges but must reside in the Delhi NCR region.

There are no specific requirements regarding fields of study or prior experience.

2. I don’t have a team member, can I apply individually?

Yes, you can apply individually as long as you are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree and based in Delhi NCR.

4. What are the campaign projects like?

The projects will focus on four broad themes, each guided by a partner organisation. Selected ambassadors will work on themes allocated to them. This year's themes include non-motorized transport, accessibility, gender safety, and ease of mobility. Each ambassador will be required to develop at least one online and one offline campaign based on the allocated theme.

5. What is the program structure like?

The program includes mandatory online and offline training sessions for all participants. As part of the training, we will provide dedicated space for you to collaborate on your campaign. During the program duration, you will also have regular check-ins with the YLAC team to share progress and check-ins with your partner organisations to receive technical guidance for your campaign.

6. When will the training sessions take place? Is attendance mandatory?

The training sessions will take place on the 18th, 19th, 25th January, and 1st, 2nd February 2025. Yes, attendance is mandatory.

7. Do we get to choose our campaign theme?

Theme allocations will be based on your preferences. While we try to match the theme selection with your areas of interest, a specific allocation cannot be guaranteed.

8. On what basis are the applicants selected?

The Mobility Champions - Student Ambassadors program seeks to identify passionate young individuals dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of urban travel and advocating for sustainable and accessible mobility for all. Applicants will be assessed on their understanding of mobility issues, leadership and entrepreneurial abilities, and motivation to participate in the program. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a video outlining their campaign idea as part of the second round.

9. Do we get any certification for this program? Are there any specific requirements?

Yes, a certificate is issued at the end of the program. However, certification is subject to attendance and successful implementation of your campaign as determined by YLAC and partner organisations. 

While this is a part-time program, please note that attendance to training and check-ins is mandatory. Since the program involves collaboration, if members miss training or meet-ups, it adversely affects overall output.

10. Is there any fee to join the program?

No, there is no application or program fee to join the Mobility Champions - Student Ambassadors program.