Young people in the Morayfield State Electorate can now submit an Expression of Interest to take part in next year’s YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers young Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 years the opportunity to represent their communities and learn first-hand about parliamentary processes.
State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, said that Youth Parliament was a great way for young people to learn about our democracy, connect with their peers and have as ay about important issues they care about.
“I encourage local young people to nominate for this program. Not only is it a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, but it is an opportunity to build on leadership skills and learn about influencing change,” Mr Ryan said.
“Each year the program brings together 93 young people representing each electorate in Queensland along with four Indigenous representatives.
“It is a testament to YMCA Queensland’s commitments that the program continues to challenge young people and provides an opportunity to share their ideas of change with the government.”
The program will bring together participants in Brisbane during April 2016 to form committees and discuss ideas and later, in September, for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their bills at Parliament House.
Participants in Years 11 and 12 will also be able to receive one point towards their Queensland Certificate of Education after completing the program as YMCA is now accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority.
Between April and September, committees will connect in person, via phone or internet to write their bills, and to design and implement community action plans.
The Queensland Government provides annual funding of $60,000 to YMCA Queensland to run the program.
Expressions of Interest can now be lodged and will close on Thursday 31 December 2015. Young people registered will receive notification when official calls for nominations open in January 2016.
For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, go to http://www.ymcaqup.org/ or www.qld.gov.au/youth
