Project: 2025 Youth Voice Project 

Let’s Make Change Together!

Project Details

What’s the Youth Voice Project? 

Hey there! The 2025 Youth Voice Project is all about YOU and other young people getting involved in our community in creative, exciting ways. Next year, we’re focusing on building connections in our community, bringing people together, sharing ideas, and making things happen right here where we live. Whether you’re into art, nature, making a difference, or speaking up for what you believe in, this project has a place for you. 

Please note that this is a year-long commitment, not just a trip to Sydney. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow students and collaborate; it’s not just a chance to hang out with your mates and get out of class. There is an expectation that you will contribute and actively participate in this project.  

Sound like something you’d be into? Read on to see what’s coming up and how you can join us! 

Projects and Events You’ll Love 

We’ve got a packed schedule this year, filled with amazing opportunities, like travelling to the Secondary Leadership Conference in Sydney and learning how to make a real difference through Uniting’s in-house advocacy team. Along the way, you’ll learn about community, research, and advocacy with support from Firefly’s parent organisation, Uniting—one of Australia’s leading nonprofits. They’re dedicated to social justice, innovation, advocacy and community services, all aimed at creating a more inclusive, connected, and just world. 

The Firefly team, community members, and specialists will be there to mentor you as you take on each part of the project. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up: 

  • November 2024Recruitment for the 2025 Program: If you’ll be in Years 8, 9, or 10 next year, you can apply to be one of the 15 young people chosen for this year’s Youth Voice Project. Participants will be selected through a random draw, so everyone has a fair chance! Registrations close on November 27, 2024. 
  • December 2024Meet the Team: The 15 project members will be announced, and you and your family will be invited to an info meeting to learn all about the program. We’ll also screen the premiere of our newest Youth Voice video, which follows this year’s journey! 
  • December 2024, Week 9,  Workshop at School, Spend time with the new Youth Voice project team, Firefly staff and youth facilitators for a fun day of team building, an introduction to the program and starting your leadership journey.  
  • February 2025Community Connections Begin: Our weekly Lunch and Period 5 sessions kick off, where we’ll explore what it means to be part of a strong, connected community. 
  • March 2025Sydney Secondary Leadership Conference: We’re heading to Sydney for an overnight trip! We’ll attend the Leadership Conference, get leadership training, and have some team-building fun along the way. 
  • March – April 2025Becoming Peer Researchers: Together, we’ll learn what it means to be a peer researcher. You’ll get to lead, ask important questions, and gather ideas straight from your friends and classmates. 
  • May – June 2025Making Change Happen: We’ll dive into what really matters to you and your friends in our local community. After collecting data and insights from your peers, we’ll use them to create a community pitch event, where you’ll have the chance to share your vision and make an impact. 
  • July 2025Pitch Your Project: This is your moment to shine! You’ll pitch your community project idea to local leaders and community members to gain their support and involvement. 
  • August – December 2025Changemaker Project: Now it’s time to put your project management skills to the test! Working in a team, you’ll create and carry out a project to make real change in the community. With support from mentors, you’ll see what it takes to turn an idea into reality. 

So, What’s in It for Me? 

Joining the Youth Voice Project means you’re signing up for a year of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s what you’ll get out of it: 

  • Trip to Sydney – Kick off the year with an overnight trip to the Secondary Leadership Conference! Connect with young leaders, take part in team-building, and feel the energy of a big city event. 
  • Skills for Life and School – Gain skills in leadership, advocacy, and research that will boost your studies and help you tackle real-world issues. These skills are valued in school, future jobs, and anything else you set your mind to! 
  • Unique Opportunities – Through Uniting, access mentors, training sessions, and experiences that help you understand community impact and social justice. Plus, get support from the Firefly team, specialists, and local leaders. 
  • Recognition and Rewards – At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate, a reference, and a voucher as a thank-you for all your hard work and dedication. 
  • Networking Opportunities – Meet community leaders, professionals, and advocates, building connections that could help with future goals, internships, or career paths. 
  • Hands-On Project Management – Leading your own community project gives you real experience in project management, teamwork, and event organiszation, setting you apart in school and beyond. 
  • Confidence in Public Speaking – From pitching your project to sharing ideas in meetings, build confidence speaking publicly, a skill that’s valuable in any career. 
  • Be a Changemaker – This program isn’t just about talking; it’s about doing. You’ll make a real impact on your community and leave a lasting legacy of positive change. 
  • Portfolio Material – Add project plans, presentations, and more to your portfolio or resume, showcasing your dedication, initiative, and leadership. 

How You Can Get Involved 

Are you between 12 and 15 and want to make a difference? Joining the Youth Voice Project is easy. You can help plan events, join project teams, or even just share your ideas. It’s a chance to try new things, meet people, and make memories along the way. Click here to register your interest.

Please get your parent/guardian’s consent before signing up for this project. 

Check Out Our Youth Spotlights 

See what the Youth Voice Project got up to this year by reading our news articles and watching our video from 2023! The 2025 Youth Voice Project will be a one-year adventure, so don’t miss out! 

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