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YMCA NSW Youth Parliament
What is YP?
The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament is a program that gives young people a voice in the running of NSW. It is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws.
The program aims to promote youth-led advocacy, active community leadership and legal and parliamentary education.
In issue-based committees of ten, young people are empowered to create a Bill with the aim of solving a problem that they are passionate about. They research the problem, propose alternative solutions and negotiate amongst themselves the best possible solution. This Bill is then debated on the floor of the NSW Legislative Assembly as part of week-long residential camp. As en education program, Youth Parliament is a realistic simulation of NSW Parliament – Youth Parliamentarians follow the same processes and procedure as their adult counterparts do, and also participate in Question Time, Matters of Public Importance and Private Members Business.
Youth Parliamentarians are advocates for young people across New South Wales on a range of issues – they do however have specific responsibility for their electorates. Young people can be nominated by Members of the NSW Parliament or apply to take part in the program.
Click here to find out how you can get involved.
The Rundown: 2012
YP involves two camps:
Training Camp: 13th – 15th April 2012
This will be a chance to meet all of the Youth MP’s for 2012 and getting some assistance and training to help you write your bills.
Residential Camp: 1st – 7th July 2012
During this time your team has the opportunity to make final adjustments to your bills, have some fun and present your bills to MPs and State Ministers in NSW Parliament House.
Training and Residential Camps will be held at:
Sydney Olympic Park Lodge,
1 Jamieson Street
Newington Armory
Sydney Olympic Park 2127
Bills will be presented at:
The NSW Parliament House
Legislative Assembly,
Macquarie Street, Sydney.
The cost to be a part of YP12 will be $600 per participant. This includes accommodation, meals, transport between Sydney Olympic Park Lodge and NSW Parliament House whilst on residential camp, all activities and extra expenses throughout the duration of the residential camp. Please note that this fee does not include travel to and from the training and resident camps.
Previous participants have found it very valuable to obtain sponsorship from local businesses, youth associations or clubs such as Rotary and Lions. Local MPs have also been helpful in assisting participants in their local area. To help you out even further, once you have been selected we will send you a sponsorship pack which will give you ideas and details of whom to contact.
Why should I participate?
If you are passionate about make change in New South Wales - you will be the voice of young people in your electorate, advising New South Wales politicians & decision-makers on matters affecting young people.
Youth Parliament is also a great opportunity for you to develop skills in leadership, public speaking, debating and team work.
If you want to learn more about government & politics - you will be able to meet with & talk to decision-makers & learn first-hand how Government & the Parliament operate.
If you want to meet other young people & form new friendships - the program includes a great camp & you can really get to know people & form friendships that last for years.
Who runs Youth Parliament?
Youth Parliament is managed by the YMCA of Sydney. The YMCA oversees the running of YP around Australia and has run it for over 20 years in some states.
The YMCA of Sydney has appointed an organisational taskforce which will oversee all operations of YP 2012. The Taskforce is made up of dynamic volunteers, aged between 18 to 25, to ensure that this is truly a youth event; organised by youth, for youth.
For more information about YMCA NSW Youth Parliament you should contact Beth Laurenson on 9687 6233 or beth.laurenson@ymca.org.au
How do I get involved?
Click on the Get Involved link in the left pane for instructions on the application process for 2012.
Passed Bills from recent sittings of the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament
The following links are the Acts, Bills and Other Recommendations of previous Youth Parliaments:
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