Theory of Change

What’s At Stake?

We are living through some of the most conflict-ridden years in recent history—not a world war, but a world at war. Conflicts rage across borders, fueled not only by violence on the ground but also by ideological battles, polarization, and societal fragmentation. While social media was designed to connect us, it often exacerbates division, amplifies extreme voices, and accelerates the erosion of shared values. 

As we contemplate the escalating crises faced by humanity and our environment, we confront urgent questions of survival—for ourselves and for our planet. In a world where division spreads faster than connection, where can we turn to find common ground?

The humanitarian sector operates in the most fragile environments, yet it functions based on clear principles/values and rules that transcend politics, borders, and ideologies. At its core lies the Geneva Conventions, initiated by the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), forming the backbone of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)—the laws of war designed to protect human dignity, even in times of conflict.

Our mission is to expand the spaces in which humanitarian values are not merely topics of discussion but are actively integrated into various contexts and practiced consistently.

CYH Theory of Change

While we often speak of the humanitarian world as if it exists somewhere out there, the CYH’s Theory of Change understands that it is right here—within you, me, and us. It is defined by our ability to foster self-agency and relate to one another in a dignified and respectful manner. We believe that change arises from humanitarian habits that sustain purposeful practices, reform structures, and promote humane cultures.

The Theory of Change (ToC) of the Circle of Young Humanitarians (CYH) outlines a comprehensive pathway designed to empower young people to become engaged and informed participants in the world. The ToC is structured around a progression of stages that guide young individuals from feelings of helplessness and disengagement to becoming empowered change-makers who drive positive transformation within their communities and beyond.

The ToC recognizes that both individual and collective efforts are required to tackle systemic issues at their core. On an individual level, we work to transform feelings of disempowerment into action. On a collective level, we create opportunities for education, exchange, and engagement. While the ToC acknowledges that it will take time to see the rewards of this type of humanitarian work, we are already beginning to witness what we call the Humanitarian Spillover Effect (HSE).

  • Challenge: Many young people feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of global challenges. Exposure to a constant stream of crises, false information, and polarizing content leaves people feeling helpless and disengaged. 

    Response: CYH raises awareness through targeted campaigns, educational initiatives, and events such as the Humanitarian Enrichment Forum. These initiatives provide young people with well-rounded information about humanitarian principles, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and current global challenges. By creating spaces for learning, CYH helps young people transition from feeling overwhelmed to becoming informed about humanitarian issues and solutions.

  • Challenge: Awareness of humanitarian issues is not enough to drive meaningful action. Young people need a deeper understanding of the complexities of global challenges and the principles that guide humanitarian efforts.

    Response: CYH facilitates deeper understanding through initiatives such as the Young Humanitarian Summit, and partnerships with humanitarian organizations like the ICRC and MSF. These programs allow young people to engage directly with humanitarian professionals, participate in interdisciplinary discussions, and gain insights into the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of humanitarian work. This stage empowers young people to see themselves as capable contributors to the humanitarian sector.

  • Challenge: Gaining a deeper understanding of humanitarian issues is an important step, but true transformation occurs when this knowledge is internalized. This stage requires introspection, mindfulness, and personal reflection—an internal process that bridges intellectual understanding with personal conviction. Without this step, learning remains abstract rather than influencing attitudes, values, and long-term commitment.

    Response: The CYH supports this critical stage through structured reflection guides and educational programs. These tools encourage young people to process their experiences, critically examine their beliefs, and cultivate a personal connection to humanitarian values. For example, rather than simply recognizing the importance of neutrality, they reflect on how neutrality aligns with their own ethical framework and how it shapes their approach to complex humanitarian challenges. This stage ensures that humanitarian principles are not just understood but truly embodied, fostering a lasting commitment to ethical engagement.

  • Challenge: Even after having internalized this information, young people often lack the trust needed to engage in humanitarian action. Without confidence in their abilities and the support of a larger community, we risk remaining passive observers.

    Response: CYH builds trust by fostering strong connections within the humanitarian community and providing ongoing support through networking opportunities and collaborative projects. By engaging with experienced professionals and peers in a inclusive environment, young people develop trust in their abilities and the collective power of the humanitarian community.

  • Challenge: While trust is essential, it must be accompanied by practical tools and opportunities for young people to take action. Moving from understanding to action requires an enabling environment.

    Response: CYH empowers young people by providing them with the resources, skills, and platforms needed to take concrete actions. This includes resources like the Humanitarian Wayfinder, a guide to help unlock your inner humanitarian, and opportunities to develop their voices and initiatives. CYH enables young people to transition from passive understanding to active engagement, aligning their actions with humanitarian principles.

  • Challenge: Individual actions, while important, need to create broader societal shifts to have a lasting impact. 

    Response: When young people feel empowered, they begin to influence their peers, communities, and networks, fostering a culture of active engagement and empathy. This cultural change is characterized by a collective shift toward prioritizing humanitarian values in everyday life, creating a ripple effect that encourages more young people to become engaged and active in humanitarian efforts.

  • Challenge: For cultural change to translate into systemic change, it must influence institutions, policies, and societal structures. As the cultural shift spreads, it begins to affect larger systems.

    Response: Empowered young people, now equipped with skills, experience, and a sense of agency, transition into roles of influence— carrying humanitarian values with them, gradually transforming institutions and societal norms that reflect a more just, humane, and equitable world.

Unlock Your Inner Humanitarian

We believe that a better world is the cumulative result of prioritizing our shared humanity—giving and receiving, simultaneously, taking breaks, and trying again until it feels natural, because shouldn't it be? There is no "one size fits all" approach to creating a more humanitarian world; each person's contribution is unique and shaped by individual circumstances. 

Building humanitarian habits can be challenging, but no act of sharing our humanity is too small. We recognize that it takes significant work and effort, as peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the ability to resolve it peacefully. Achieving this requires alternative approaches, skills, and resources to help unlock what's already there. Changing structures and behaviors takes time, requiring intentional effort to educate and strengthen both minds and hearts. Together, let's unlock and expand our inner humanitarian and make a lasting impact!

Check out our various CYH Initiatives:

Listen in on humanitarian conversations through the CYH podcast!

Get to know our many humanitarian in-person events!

Participate in our biggest event of the year - the CYH Summit!

Do the inner work with the help of the CYH Humanitarian Wayfinder!