Be part of a diverse group of young people of varying ages, genders, locations, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences, dedicated to making a difference.
The Youth Network members will attend virtual monthly meetings to connect as a community, learn skills, hear about current opportunities, express interest in opportunities (based on your time, interests, skills, and preferences), get updates on current projects, and ensure that the voices of young people are championed both within yourtown and beyond.
The Youth Network is part of yourtown's wider Youth Engagement Strategy, developed in collaboration with young people.
We're looking for young people who:
- are 15 to 25 years old
- live in Australia
- are passionate about advocacy and championing the voices of young people
If this sounds like you, we’d love you to join!
If I sign up, what should I expect? What happens next?
- First, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Next, Sophie, our amazing Youth Engagement Coordinator, will contact you and organise a time to discuss the network, the meeting schedule, consent, wellbeing plan, etc..
- You’ll join a private community page and dedicated space for young people to connect.
- You’ll have a chance to attend virtual meetings (dates and times to be confirmed). These meetings will also be recorded, so don’t worry if you can’t make it.
- You’ll be part of the mailing list and be emailed a newsletter about all the stuff happening and how you can get volunteer/get involved.
Leyla helped write this incredible Kids Helpline article about Autism based on her experiences as an autistic teen.
Hugo made content for social media and YouTube, reaching thousands and helping others going through similar challenges.
A team of young people supported the co-design of yourtown's new youth engagement strategy.
Jess was a member of the Your Voice project team and supported the development, delivery and presentation of their findings!
- Payment: When you engage with one of our opportunities you are eligible for honorarium payments based on the type of activity.
- Diverse opportunities: Our opportunities are as diverse as our members are! Opportunities are shared as expressions of interest, so you can apply and get involved in what excites you most.
- Flexible meetings: You are super busy! So our monthly meetings are held in the evening to fit around your commitments.
- Central hub: Our website holds the recorded monthly meetings and lists our current and previous opportunities.
- Skills development: Build valuable skills in teamwork, advocacy, public speaking, networking, writing, and more.
- Professional development: We offer tailored workshops based on the interests and needs of the network.
- Hands-on opportunities: Take part in real-world projects and initiatives that enhance your practical skills and boost your confidence.
"Involving young people isn't just beneficial, it's essential for creating a world where every voice is heard and valued."
-Fiona, youth network member
Over the last three years, Sophie has been working with pregnant and parenting young people around the country, launching a digital delivery model of care and co-designing a Youth Advisory Council for the Brave Foundation. Sophie knows that young people are the experts in their own lives and believes deeply there's no one better to champion the voices of young people than young people themselves.
"In my down time, I like to jump between hobbies like they are going out of fashion! I crochet, play dungeons and dragons, gets to as much live music as I can, I'm learning piano (badly), and I love to be ridiculous with my two little boys. The next hobbies on the horizon are woodworking and tie-dye. I also listen to audiobooks obsessively!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions that aren't answered here? Email Sophie.
I'm under 18 — do I need parent/carer consent?
If you're aged 15-17, you might need parental consent to sign up - but it will depend on a few different factors. In your first meeitng with Sophie, you will decide together if parent/carer consent is needed. Each volunteer opportunity will have its consent process, and depending on the activity, you may need parent/carer consent to participate (even if you didn’t need it to sign up).
Are activities paid?
Our activities are all covered by an “honorarium” system. We will provide money for the work that you do, but it's not a 'payment'. Each opportunity will explain what the honorarium will be before you volunteer. We have guidelines about this which we are happy to share with you.
Do I need to have lived experience (like with mental health) to join?
No, you don’t need a lived experience with mental health to join the network.
Do I get to choose what activities I volunteer for?
Yes, you can choose what opportunities to apply for. (Keep in mind you may not get to participate in everything you apply for).
Can people apply but be rejected from The Youth Network?
If during your initial chat with Sophie it seems like the network might not be the right fit for you at this time, Sophie will support you to create a plan around joining in the future.
You may also volunteer for an opportunity but not be selected. If that happens, we'll do our best to get you involved in the next project that you're interested in.
I’m an introvert — will I need to get out of my comfort zone in meetings?
Our network meetings may have opportunities to have discussions. You are always welcome to type your answers in the chat rather than speaking. Cameras being on is encouraged (but are not a requirement). Sophie would love to support you to feel comfortable in our meetings, so please reach out if you need support.
Will The Youth Network provide me with counselling/support for my mental health?
No, The Youth Network is not a space for counselling/support for your mental health.
