YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament is a non-partisan program providing a platform for young people aged 15 - 25 to have their say on important issues, build skills and parliamentary understanding. It focuses on personal development, empowerment and connecting politicians and decision makers with youth voices and opinions.
The Youth Parliament program runs from March to August every year and includes mentoring, a training weekend, a week-long camp and access to Parliament House. Every year, young leaders come together to learn about public speaking, parliamentary etiquette, bill development and youth advocacy. They share their big ideas, discuss the challenges facing South Australia and create solutions in the form of Youth Bills.
Check out our Youth Parliament 2018 Overview!
Youth Parliament Volunteer Taskforce
Taskforce members bring the YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament program to life. They do a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ organisation and planning, but they also mentor a team and support participants to write and debate bills. Without the time, expertise, commitment and dedication volunteered by each ‘Taskie’ the Youth Parliament program wouldn’t be possible.
Volunteer positions still available for our other youth programs! Click here to find out more.
School workshops and mock parliament sessions
Are you a school teacher? Did you know YMCA South Australia run school workshops and mock Parliament debates for years 7 and up? Get in touch with us to find out how we can bring Civics and Citizenship to life and make learning about politics and Parliament fun!
Youth Parliament archive
- YP 2018 Overview PDF (259 KB)
- YP 2017 Bills and Acts PDF (1.89 MB)
- YP 2015 Bills and Acts PDF (1.24 MB)
- YP 2014 Bills and Acts PDF (1.49 MB)
- YP 2013 Bills and Acts PDF (1.32 MB)
- YP 2012 Bills and Acts PDF (677 KB)
Powerful experiences and great memories
What previous participants have to say . . .
When I signed up for youth parliament this year, I didn't really know what to expect. I thought I might improve my public speaking skills, maybe gain a bit more confidence. What I didn't expect was to have one of the best weeks of my life, and to learn more than I could ever have learnt in any classroom.2015 Youth Parliamentarian
On this program I met so many great people. I was amazed at the diversity and like-mindedness of the other Youth Parliamentarians. Some of these people opened my eyes to issues that I have never even heard of before.2015 Youth Parliamentarian
Contact Us
For more information please contact the YMCA South Australia Youth Empowerment team on (08) 8200 2514.