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.

The Youth Empowerment Team is excited to announce applications for Youth Parliament 2020 are now open.

Are you passionate about local issues like employment and training? Perhaps you have something to say about the environment, gender and sexuality, indigenous affairs or anything else that is important to you? If the answer is YES, then this is your chance to Make Your Mark, to be the voice of young people and create the future you want to see for South Australia.

WHAT IS YOUTH PARLIAMENT?

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 July 2020 where participants work in teams to construct a youth bill. They take part in frequent team meetings and a two (2) day Training Weekend where they learn essential parliamentary and leadership skills to use during a six (6) day Parliament Week in July.

KEY DETAILS

WHEN	March to July 2020
WHERE	Nunyara Conference Centre & Parliament House Adelaide
WHO CAN APPLY?	Youth Parliament is open to anyone in South Australia aged 15 - 25 years old
COST	There is a participant fee of $460 per person which covers meals, accommodation and transport during Parliament Week (sponsorship assistance available)
SPONSPORSHIP	Participants can receive assistance to seek external sponsorship for participant fees
RURAL & REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS	Travel Scholarships Available

SELECTION PROCES

There are limited places available in the Youth Parliament program. Please note that completing this online application does not guarantee you a position as a participant for the 2020 program. YMCA SA is strongly committed to ensuring Youth Parliament is a diverse program that represents the views and experiences of young people across South Australia. Special preference will be given to participants who are from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally diverse backgrounds, first time participants and to regional young people.

Check out our Youth Parliament 2020 Overview for more information about 2020's program.

GET IN CONTACT

For more information please email sayouth@ymca.org.au or phone 8298 7422

Youth Parliament Archive

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!

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.
sayouth@ymca.org.au