Programmes / Councils
Lead The
Change.
A World Merit Council is a local team of young people who come together to create positive change in their community. Youth-led, inclusive, and community-driven, councils are where World Merit values come to life: collaboration, diversity, responsibility, and action.
Our Reach
Councils In
Numbers.
100+
Active Councils
Locally led action hubs worldwide
50+
Countries
With an active World Merit council
87
New Councils
In early growth since end of May
30
Councils Taking Action
Delivering local projects today
What Is A World Merit Council?
Built By Young People,
For Young People.
Each council is made up of members who share the same purpose: to take action on local issues, build leadership skills, and connect their work to global impact. Every council decides what matters most in its community, whether it's education, environment, equality, or well-being, and turns those ideas into real projects that make a difference.
Councils are not just clubs or committees. They are living communities of action and belonging. They don't exist to do everything alone, but to empower others to take action and create a shared space for collaboration and growth.
The World Merit Ecosystem
Four Connected
Pillars.
World Merit is a global community built on four connected pillars. Councils are the local teams that support and structure action in their cities and regions.
Members
Individuals who join to act, learn, connect, and start their journey.
Councils
Local teams that support and structure action in their cities and regions.
Projects
Specific initiatives or campaigns created by members to tackle local and global challenges.
V4C Chapters
Volunteer hubs that mobilise people around causes and inspire collaboration.
What Makes Councils Unique
Where Ideas Turn
Into Impact.
Action
Councils identify the real needs of their communities and connect people, ideas, and opportunities to respond to them.
Collaboration
Councils build partnerships with schools, youth groups, community organisations, and local leaders to multiply their impact.
Inspiration
Councils show others that small, consistent actions can create meaningful change and motivate new people to get involved.
Community
Councils create safe, inclusive spaces where everyone, whatever their background, feels seen, heard, and valued.
Councils By The Numbers
A Community
In Motion.
50
Awaiting Onboarding
New applications in the pipeline for August
30
Active
Councils taking local action right now
18
Pending
In first contact or onboarding
Councils By Region
Top Countries
Our Council Leaders
78%
Of council leaders are aged 18–30
60%
Are new to World Merit
77%
Have led a project or activity before
70%
Already have a founding team
78%
Commit to monthly progress updates
88%
Commit to sharing stories and results
The World Merit Promise
Every council and member follows one shared promise: to learn by exploring new skills and ideas, to act by turning what they learn into projects and impact, to connect with others across borders, and to grow as individuals and teams.
Councils In Action
Young Leaders,
Everywhere.
From regional hubs to thematic councils, our leaders organise real change in their communities around the world.
