Young people who want to make their voices heard can apply to participate in the 2021 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
Now in its 26th year, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers young Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 years the opportunity to speak up for their communities and learn first-hand about parliamentary processes.
Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson MP, said that since 1996, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament had brought young people together to learn about our democracy, connect with their peers and have a say about important issues facing our state.
“I encourage young people to nominate for this program to assist them to build their leadership skills and learn about influencing change,” she said.
“Each year the program brings together 93 young people, representing each electorate in the state.”
“It has a strong history of empowering young people to take up challenges to become leaders of the future.”
Ms Simpson praised YMCA Brisbane for continuing to successfully steer the landmark youth program.
“It is a testament to YMCA Brisbane’s commitment that the program continues to challenge young people and provide an opportunity for them to share their ideas of change with the government,” she said.
Participants in Years 11 and 12 are also eligible to receive one point towards their Queensland Certificate of Education upon the completion of their term as Youth Members, as the program is accredited by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
This year the program will bring participants together in Brisbane in April, to form legislative committees and discuss ideas, and again in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their bills at Parliament House.
Between April and September committees will collaborate to write their bills, as well as design and implement community action plans.
The Queensland Government provides annual funding of approximately $65,000 to YMCA Queensland to run the program.
Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday 14 February 2021.
For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au.
Image: Fiona Simpson MP with Jasmin Peak, 2020 QYP Member for Maroochydore
