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YMCA NSW Youth Parliament

What is YP?

The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament is a program that gives young people a voice in the running of NSW. It is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws.

The program aims to promote youth-led advocacy, active community leadership and legal and parliamentary education.

In issue-based committees of ten, young people are empowered to create a Bill with the aim of solving a problem that they are passionate about. They research the problem, propose alternative solutions and negotiate amongst themselves the best possible solution. This Bill is then debated on the floor of the NSW Legislative Assembly as part of week-long residential camp. As en education program, Youth Parliament is a realistic simulation of NSW Parliament – Youth Parliamentarians follow the same processes and procedure as their adult counterparts do, and also participate in Question Time, Matters of Public Importance and Private Members Business.

Youth Parliamentarians are advocates for young people across New South Wales on a range of issues – they do however have specific responsibility for their electorates. Young people can be nominated by Members of the NSW Parliament or apply to take part in the program.

Click here to find out how you can get involved.

The Rundown: 2012

YP involves two camps:

 Training Camp: 19th – 21st April 2013

This will be a chance to meet all of the Youth MP’s for 2013 and getting some assistance and training to help you write your bills.

Residential Camp: 30th June – 6th July 2013

During this time your team has the opportunity to make final adjustments to your bills, have some fun and present your bills to MPs and State Ministers in NSW Parliament House.

 

Training and Residential Camps will be held at:

Camp Yarramuni and Deeimba

Springwood Road

Yarramundi 2753

 

Bills will be presented at:

The NSW Parliament House

Legislative Assembly,

Macquarie Street, Sydney.

The cost to be a part of YP13 will be $600 per participant. This includes accommodation, meals, transport between Yarramundi and NSW Parliament House whilst on residential camp, all activities and extra expenses throughout the duration of the residential camp. Please note that this fee does not include travel to and from the training and resident camps.

 Previous participants have found it very valuable to obtain sponsorship from local businesses, youth associations or clubs such as Rotary and Lions. Local MPs have also been helpful in assisting participants in their local area. To help you out even further, once you have been selected we will send you a sponsorship pack which will give you ideas and details of whom to contact.

 Why should I participate?

If you are passionate about make change in New South Wales - you will be the voice of young people in your electorate, advising New South Wales politicians & decision-makers on matters affecting young people.

Youth Parliament is also a great opportunity for you to develop skills in leadership, public speaking, debating and team work.

If you want to learn more about government & politics - you will be able to meet with & talk to decision-makers & learn first-hand how Government & the Parliament operate.

If you want to meet other young people & form new friendships - the program includes a great camp & you can really get to know people & form friendships that last for years. 

Who runs Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament is managed by the YMCA of Sydney. The YMCA oversees the running of YP around Australia and has run it for over 20 years in some states.

The YMCA of Sydney has appointed an organisational taskforce which will oversee all operations of YP 2012. The Taskforce is made up of dynamic volunteers, aged between 18 to 25, to ensure that this is truly a youth event; organised by youth, for youth.

For more information about YMCA NSW Youth Parliament you should contact Beth Laurenson on 9687 6244 or beth.laurenson@ymca.org.au

How do I get involved?

Click on the Get Involved link in the left pane for instructions on the application process for 2013.

Passed Bills from recent sittings of the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament

The following links are the Acts, Bills and Other Recommendations of previous Youth Parliaments:

• YMCA Youth Parliament Acts, Bills and Other Recommendations 2009
• YMCA Youth Parliament Acts, Bills and Other Recommendations 2010
• YMCA Youth Parliament Acts, Bills and Other Recommendations 2011

YMCA - NSW Youth Parliament

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YMCA NSW Youth Parliament at Your Local Y

For more details or to enrol visit your local YMCA centre:

• YMCA NSW Youth Parliament

Other Activities

This activity is part of Youth Leadership - YMCA Youth Programs and Youth Leadership. Some similar activities offered by YMCA NSW include:

• Junior Vacation Care Leaders - Junior leader's vacation care program is designed for young people between the ages of 13 and 16 years that are interested in learning how to work with younger children...
• YMCA NSW Youth Parliament- Get Involved -   Nominations are now closed but APPLICATION ARE NOW OPEN.  Click here to apply. Please note that nominations will be prioritised during selection (alongside...
• Uno-Y - UNO Y is an annual leadership program for young people aged 16-20 that recognises their leadership potential and provides an opportunity for them to further develop their...
• Future Leaders - YMCA Future Leaders is an annual personal and professional development program for young YMCA staff aged 18-25. The program delivers personal development and leadership...
• Marland Cup - Marland Cup is the YMCA’s annual state-wide youth camp that began in 1990 to provide young people with the opportunity to participate in ‘clean, healthy...
• Changing Minds, Bouncing Back - The Changing Minds, Bouncing Back project is a camping experience for disadvantaged youth, between the ages of 14 and 17, who are in state care but who are too old for...
• YMCA NSW Youth Parliament Press Gallery - Press Gallery Applications for 2013 will open soon!Email yp.media@ymca.org.au to be put on our mailing list. The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament is a program that...