NEWS UPDATE

10 February 2001

Youth Participation Summit: Invitation to organising meeting
Meredith Gawler, Young Media Spokesperson

What is participation? Ensuring that decision-makers in our society properly reflect the diverse composition and concerns of Australian society. This is not simply a matter of social justice or equity, it also makes good political sense.

YACVic is committed to enhancing participation of young people in all aspects of Victoria's social and economic life. Towards this goal we are seeking to engage young people in the organisations that represent them and influence the policies and programs that influence their lives.

Many young people feel disenfranchised from the institutions that shape their lives. They often feel powerless to contribute to government policy through lack of support and opportunity. Young people need to feel that their voices will be listened to and that their contribution will have an impact. Listening to young people's voices will guarantee a greater awareness and knowledge of how government policy can impact their lives.

To this end the YACVic Youth Reference Committee will be hosting a Youth Participation Summit during National Youth Week (April 1-8). The Summit will be an opportunity for young people to discuss youth participation issues in all areas of decision-making roles such as committees and boards, and creating opportunities for greater youth participation.

Young people who participate in decision making experience the satisfaction of knowing their work can make a real difference, and they provide models and inspiration to other young people who are considering taking the plunge.

YACVic's involvement in National Youth Week is a great opportunity to showcase young people who have made positive contributions by participating in their community. It is important that the community hear about such achievements by young people, especially as media portrayals of young people are often very negative.

On the 22nd of February there will be a planning meeting for the Summit. The planning meeting will begin the process of sharing perspectives, particularly around directions for supporting and enhancing youth participation in Victoria. True to YACVic philosophy, the young people attending the planning meeting will decide on the program for the Summit. The Summit will also serve to develop a strategy to consolidate and extend YACVic's consultation with young people, and provide avenues for young people to participate in major policy decisions made by YACVic.

YACVic will support four major outcomes of the Participation Summit:

> A report of the summit, including recommendations and plans written by YACVic;

> The implementation of recommendations arising through advocacy and organisation where appropriate;

> Continued input to YACVic policy and program approaches through an enhanced Youth Reference Group;

> The organisation of further youth conferences particularly around specific topics, such as "Young people and the Media"

> For more information contact Meredith Gawler, YACVic young media spokeperson, on 0402 822 488 by Friday 16 February, or contact YACVic on (03) 9612 8999 email: info@yacvic.org.au.

Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.