Youth Parliament

The Taskforce is made up of a selected group of 16 young people (plus the elected Youth Governor) who have previously been involved in the program. They take on leadership roles brining the YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament program to life. They do a lot of the “behind the scenes” organisation and planning, while also mentoring the teams of Youth Parliamentarians and support them to write and debate their Youth Bills.

Without the time, expertise, commitment, and dedication volunteered by each “Taskie” the Youth Parliament program would not be possible.

Youth Parliament is managed by the YMCA South Australia staff. The program is supported by the Head of Community Strengthening, Marion Modra, and the Youth Empowerment team supports the Taskforce to organise and run the Program. The team are:

• Susan Britza, Youth Parliament Coordinator
• Amy Mackenzie, Youth Empowerment Camping Director

Taskforce members are first and foremost members of the team who put the program together. This means they –

• Support all fellow Taskforce members and share responsibility for team performance and results
• Attend and actively contribute to all meetings
• Communicate openly and share regular updates, successes, and challenges with the team
• Complete tasks to a high standard and within the agreed timeframe
• Work in a professional manner always
• Commit to continual learning and skill development

Secondly, they are mentors who support participants and assist teams to complete all aspects of the program. This means they –

• Support and mentor a team of participants
• Create and encourage a positive, inclusive culture among participants
• Coordinate and run team meetings
• Assist your team to develop and write a Youth Bill
• Encourage your team to engage with their community on issues they care about
• Support your team through all aspects of the program (e.g. training weekend, Bill development, Parliament Week).

From feedback received from the 2020 Taskforce, the structure for the 2021 has changed slightly. The Logistics & Wellbeing portfolio has been divided into two portfolios with better focus. The Logistics & Operations portfolios with now handle the coordination, scheduling, day-to-day operations, and event management. The Recreation & Wellbeing portfolio is responsible for the social and emotion wellbeing of the participants and Taskforce, while also balancing the program with fun and inclusive activities.

However, should there need to be a review on Taskforce numbers based on applicants, numbers, and preferences, this will be done with the best interest of the program in mind.