Fighting corruption

Millennials have the power to help shape a fairer and more just world. Many young people are fighting corruption and making a big difference. And we celebrate all of you. For those who are interested in tackling corruption, but don't know where to start, here are 9 great ideas.

1. FOLLOW THE MONEY

Governments have vast sums of public money to spend and this can pose a serious corruption risk. By keeping tabs on government expenditure, you can help shed light on how your country's taxes are being spent and carefully expose any abuses. We suggest you work through initiatives like Integrity Circles and / or Integrity Initiative Inc.

2. COUNT SUPPLIES

Schools receive lots of supplies from governments, like textbooks, lab equipment or other classroom necessities. It's not rocket science to keep track of this. It just takes commitment and transparency.

3. TECH SOLUTIONS

If you're tech-savvy, you can help communities document cases of corruption by developing reporting platforms on the web or through mobile apps. Social media, in particular, is an effective way to address corruption in real-time.

4. COMICS AND CARTOONS

Comics are a powerful way of raising awareness about anti-corruption. Through a combination of images and text, comics can also help spark debate – and they are easy to produce. All you need is a pen and paper.

5. BOARD GAMES

Games are a valuable and fun form of education – even for serious topics like corruption. They develop knowledge, attitudes and values, and can be highly effective in encouraging teamwork and collective action.

6. SPORTS

What's your favorite sport? From running against corruption to scoring a goal for transparency, you can raise your community's anti-corruption awareness through any sport you want.

7. YOUTH GROUPS

Youth groups share their disapproval of corruption and are found at local and national levels. Different groups have different goals, but they have one thing in common: a willingness to talk openly about their opposition to corruption and raise awareness about its adverse effects on society.

8. “ZERO” BRIBES

The “zero currency” note is a visual aid that encourages people to say “no” to corrupt officials who demand a bribe and to expose where and when bribes are demanded. Here's how it works: when asked for a bribe, you “pay” with a bill that resembles real currency but is actually fake paper money that includes anti-corruption messages.

9. PETITIONS

A petition is a collection of signatures from people supporting your cause. That petition is then presented to decision makers – like government or education officials – that have the power to create the change you want. We have a good example at the Integrity Initiative Inc.: we petition people to sign our Integrity Pledge. If you are interested to sign the Integrity Pledge and start the journey towards fighting corruption, email me at Schumacher@eitsc.com – I will send you a copy immediately. And remember: Integrity starts with I = meaning YOU. Set that good example!