After months of bill writing and preparation, 58 young people spent a week in July taking an active role in their community, inspiring conversation and speaking up on pertinent issues in Parliament House on changes they want to see at state level. It was an incredible journey for them with very successful results.
In fact, the employee Wage and Benefits Denial Bill was passed unanimously – which is only the second time in YMCA WA Youth Parliament History that this has occurred.
Youth Parliament is an empowerment program, for young Western Australians between the ages of 15 and 25 to advocate and stand up in Parliament and have their voices heard about policies that affect young people.
In its 24th year, YMCA Youth Parliament has been running in Western Australia with the assistance of the Department of Communities and led by a strong volunteer task force of young people, for young people, with the purpose to successfully educate, empower and encourage youth to take an active role in making a difference.
Following the leadership program outcomes showed 98% of surveyed youth parliamentarians left with improved communication, a 10% increase from the year prior.
We look forward to seeing what these future leaders achieve!
Know more about the 2019 Youth Parliament Camp here.
Above: 2019 Youth Parliament Camp, task force members and Ross Kyrwood, YMCA WA CEO