On the 18th of September 2024, students from Vincentia High School took an exciting step towards shaping the future of youth engagement in the Bay and Basin area by participating in a sensemaking workshop hosted by Firefly. The session was designed to review the data gathered from the recent Youth Collective Workshop and make pivotal decisions regarding forming a Youth Advisory Group (YGA). This group intends to give local young people a voice in their community and help drive positive change.
During the workshop, the students discussed the potential benefits of joining a Youth Advisory Group and explored solutions to any barriers preventing others from getting involved. Their thoughtful and practical insights focused on ensuring the group’s design would be both impactful and inclusive.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
Preferred Engagement Format:
The students unanimously selected workshops as the best way to gather and share feedback from their peers and the wider community. They emphasized that these workshops should be held in accessible locations with plenty of notice and scheduled after school on midweek days to ensure maximum participation.
Opportunities and Benefits:
The students identified numerous perks of being part of a Youth Advisory Group, including:
- Food and Refreshments at meetings,
- Remuneration for their time and effort,
- Opportunities to build teamwork skills,
- Involvement in fun and creative activities.
Challenges and Solutions:
The group also addressed potential challenges, such as:
- Transportation issues for those living far from meeting locations,
- Social anxiety and the fear of speaking up in a group setting,
- Concerns about balancing commitment with school and other responsibilities.
To overcome these barriers, the students brainstormed strategies like providing transport options, creating a supportive environment for shy participants, and ensuring flexibility with scheduling to accommodate different commitments.
A Vision for Youth Empowerment
This workshop marks an important milestone in forming the Youth Advisory Group. This project will empower young people in the Bay and Basin region to have a say in the decisions that affect them. By offering valuable opportunities, addressing potential challenges, and creating an inclusive platform, this group will help foster a sense of belonging and community leadership among the local youth.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build this advisory group, and don’t miss your chance to get involved! Together, we’re one step closer to making the Bay and Basin a place where youth voices are heard and valued.
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