From local Chamber to National stage: Charlie Caldwell's political journey is on the move again.

Charlie Caldwell heard about YMCA SA's Youth Parliament through her school in 2019. Six years later, with a Law and Political Science degree almost behind her, a career in public life is taking shape as she moves into a leadership position at the National Youth Parliament program. It is a path that many have taken before her. Since launching in 1996, the program has seen thousands of young South Australians come through its doors, with alumni going on to become local mayors, ministers and policy advisers.

Initially joining YP because she was already an avid debater, Charlie found the program offered her something different to what she expected. "The debating was far more interactive and engaging," she says, "and I appreciated learning about politics in a way that was non-partisan and focused on procedure, rather than the complexities of party politics." Charlie continues, "It teaches how to debate points you may not agree with, and how to think of speeches and arguments off the cuff, building confidence and much needed public speaking skills." The local program changed how Charlie understood debating, but also challenged how she saw herself. "Before joining Youth Parliament, I was much quieter. The program was a pivotal moment for my confidence; I learnt to value my own voice in a room full of other passionate voices."

As her confidence grew, so too did her leadership in the program, with Charlie taking on more roles and responsibilities in her journey, from Whip and leader in the Legislative Council, before stepping into the role of Youth Governor. Charlie reflects, "Progress within the program looks different for everyone, and all journeys within Youth Parliament, whether starting confident or terrified, all are accepted and encouraged. Youth Parliament supports young people by believing that they had it within them all along."

Through her journey, the program gave her not just skills and titles, but the ability to connect with others interested in public leadership. "It allows civically engaged young people to find others that are like-minded, fostering friendships and connections that can outlast Youth Parliament." Charlie also acknowledged one of the most important factors of the Y, keeping young people safe and having their voice heard. "It creates conversations between young people that need to be had, and encourages connection over a topic of mutual interest, allowing political conversations to be had within a safe space."

The grounding in the SA program is something Charlie has carried directly into her national role. With more than 100 young people taking part each year in the program in recent years, the pipeline of future leaders continues to grow. "Much of my knowledge of civics comes from Youth Parliament. I've had the privilege to mentor young people and develop bills that I can now use in the national program." She explains, "Young people are the future on the state and national stage, and both programs are fantastic in their mission of having young people confident and heard."

Charlie's experience of Youth Parliament echoes the outworking of YMCA's mission to empower young people. "YP allows young people to be a part of discourse they usually are not privy to and teaches them to communicate their beliefs effectively and respectfully." She continues, "Young people are able to have conversations and debates whilst being listened to and treated as though they have something important to say." Youth Parliament aims to give young people a safe, inclusive space to find their voice, engage with ideas that matter to them, and discover what they are capable of; for Charlie Caldwell, it did exactly that.

To find out more about Youth Parliament, or to send information to a young person you know who would make an ideal candidate, head to our YP page.