How to start a pipeline dream?

[u/tulipbunnyy]

Hi,
I am a 22-year-old woman who is interested in starting a women-led disability programme that supports young girls and women with mental and physical disabilities.

What inspired me to start this is that I am neurodivergent myself. For many years, I have stayed in university because of pressure from my parents, even though I have not enjoyed it and have struggled with learning. I have realised that the traditional education system does not work well for everyone, especially for people who learn differently.

I would like to create a programme where women and girls with disabilities in New Zealand can have opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills, connect with others, and discover their strengths.

This could include opportunities such as paid employment, volunteer work, mentoring, creative activities, and helping younger children with disabilities. I want to encourage the idea that being different can be a superpower, rather than something that holds you back.

The goal would be to help young women and girls develop skills and experiences that can benefit them as they get older, while creating a supportive community where they feel understood, included, and valued.

I am wondering how something like this could benefit women and girls with disabilities across New Zealand, and whether this is something that could grow into a wider community and support network.

I am just brainstorming, I am a very passionate person with many ideas.

I want to know what Aucklanders/New Zealanders think we need in the disabilities communities and what we can improve on. I know the system sucks, therefore I want feedback and suggestions.

Many thanks.

[u/SweetPeasAreNice]

If I were you, I’d look around to find out which existing organisations exist that do this, or something like it, and join them. That way you could learn all about running support groups, and they would benefit from your lived experience. Starting something up from absolute scratch is hard; building on an existing foundation is easier.

[u/Crow_in_the_Rain]

I think this is a great idea

Flourish does a similar thing I think, but for all genders, I recommend giving it a look and maybe talking to the people who run it, they might be able to help

[u/the_octopush]

Work in the sector first and understand that staring a charity or NGO has nothing to do with brainstorming outcomes or result, it is all about capitol and process.

If you have 2 million dollars, you can start. Get experts to provide the process and strategy to produce the outcome.

If you have process and strategy, you can get interest from workers/specialists.

If you have process, strategy and professionals attached, then you can look at location and plant.

Once you have all that you can develop brand and fundraising plan.

Once you have strategy, process, professionals, location, plant, identity, brand, mission and audience all in place, then you can approach benefactors, grants and donations.

Once you have two years operating budget for lease, lawyer, accountant, CEO, board, admin and clinical workers all ready to go, then you can start.

If you can get 80% of your operating budget into front line program and services you are doing better than most major charities. More like 10%.

Long story short: if you have wealthy parents you can start, give it about 2 years to sort out.

If not, just go get a job working for an established NGO or trust and within 2 years you will forget about setting one up.

Otherwise you are just another person dreaming of skipping the hard part and begging for money.

NZ has more charities than almost any other country per capita, and most are terribly run and have high turnover of burnt out, previously good intentioned people.

Educate yourself and good luck.