Over the past couple of months our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) have been working hard developing a new resource for young people by young people in our community. The 2021 YAC are Remy, Matias, Lars, Leo, Alex, Theseus, Jules, Sammy and Calilah.
We have partnered with the Young And Resilient Research Centre fromWestern Sydney University. The wonderful Amanda Third from WSU has been facilitating fortnightly workshops since July to develop YAC with the skills required to create this resource. They have learnt how to do a literature review, scope a project, the importance of community consultation, interviewing skills and designing a survey, writing, and other ways to consult other children and young people.
Our YAC has been meeting for over four years, supported by our founding Board member and long time volunteer Vanessa Gonzalez. Following the postal survey Vanessa noticed the impressive young people in our community who had been so active in the marriage equality campaign. Vanessa had a vision to increase the participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them, and provide a safe space to come together and build community. Children and young people are our future leaders, so an important aspect of the YAC is about up skilling the group and creating opportunities for them to shine.
Over the past four years the YAC have been supported by our corporate partners and been offered skill development session, they have been leaders at our annual children’s resilience camps, participated in the YHunger program, including making this video thanks to our partnership with Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre and funding from the City Of Sydney, and are now are developing this ground breaking resource with the help of WSU and generous funding from the Aurora Foundation.
The YAC currently meets fortnightly online. Once restrictions ease the group will have a new home at Twenty 10 in a new supported group.
Calling all children and young people 12 – 18 years who are interested. If you would like to be involved please contact Vanessa [email protected] or send a message to the YAC leaders Alex or Lars at [email protected]
