Friendzone x NACLI: Sparking Meaningful Conversations on Community Leadership with Young Leaders
In a world where leadership is often associated with titles and accolades, how do we nurture leadership as a mindset—especially among youths who are just starting their journeys?
This was the question the National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) sought to answer when they launched the Youth Leaders Collective (YLC). Their goal? To inspire a new generation of 17–19-year-old community leaders by helping them explore what leadership really means in today’s world.
But encouraging deep reflection on leadership— particularly among those who may be speaking about it for the first time— requires more than just the right frameworks. It requires the right space for honest dialogue.
That’s where Friendzone came in. With years of experience designing safe, inclusive spaces for young adults to connect meaningfully, Friendzone was uniquely positioned to help NACLI kickstart the YLC journey through intentional conversations, reflection, and community building.
Here’s what we did:
Designed low-pressure conversation cards: Each youth received a reflection card with simple prompts like “One leadership experience I’m proud of” and “Communities I care about.” These gave them time to gather their thoughts before sharing— making it easier for quieter participants to contribute meaningfully.
Facilitated safe, small-group discussions: Small groups of 5–6 youths, each guided by a NACLI facilitator that we had pre-briefed, created a personal, supportive space for honest reflection.
Curated prompts that made them think: We posed questions that helped youths reflect on their personal leadership journeys, the communities they care about, and the kind of change they hope to create—inviting thoughtful responses rooted in lived experience and aspiration.
🎤 Leading by Example: Insights from Community Leaders in Singapore, including Friendzone’s Co-Founder
Before the group sessions began, science content creator and sustainability advocate Biogirl MJ, alongside our co-founder Grace, were invited to take the stage to share their leadership journeys with the youth participants.
Biogirl MJ, shared how her journey as a youth leader began with a simple desire to care for her community. She broke down what it takes to spark real ground-up impact:
❤️ Caring deeply about the community
🧭 Leading teams with intention
🔄 Stewarding long-term change
Her relatable story showed how passion, action, and a heart for others can lead to real transformation.
Following that, our co-founder Grace shared her leadership reflections and lessons learned through building Friendzone. She reminded everyone that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about mindset and heart.
She encouraged the youth leaders to:
🌱 Be their own first user— solve challenges they face themselves
🤝 Build a strong team who shares their vision
🔄 Know when to lead, and when to support
By sharing her personal story, Grace modeled what authentic leadership reflection looks like— complementing the session’s goal of grounding leadership conversations in real, lived experiences.
💬 What Participants Said
“I didn’t think about all these aspects of community leadership. Despite it being my first time meeting my fellow youth leaders, the cards helped me feel comfortable with the people there, and say things I typically wouldn’t have said to people I don’t really know.”
— Trevor, YLC Participant
🌱 The Outcome: A Strong Start to a Leadership Journey
This session set the tone for the rest of the YLC programme. It wasn’t just about sharing ideas—it was about helping each participant see themselves as a leader, even before they had formal titles or roles.
Created a safe and open space for honest self-expression
Built confidence and camaraderie among participants from day one
Equipped NACLI with authentic youth perspectives on leadership
💭 Why This Matters
In community leadership, how you engage youths is just as important as what you teach them. By prioritising safety, empathy, and honest conversation, NACLI and Friendzone co-created a meaningful space that inspires youths to step into their future roles with clarity and courage. We’re excited for the next generation of leaders who will build stronger and more compassionate communities in Singapore!
