UN+ DOCUMENTED
PROMOTIONAL HANDBOOK
YOUTH DECLARATION 2012 www.unyouth.org.nz
WHAT IS YOUTH DECLARATION?
1.
Youth Declaration gives young leaders like you the opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to public policy making in New Zealand. It draws the beliefs of young New Zealanders into a document – the final Declaration is the product of youth from all walks of life, converging to contest and articulate a better future for our country. In the past, the Governor General, many Members of Parliament, Councillors and Government Ministries have all received and responded to the Declaration. It is your challenge to the leaders of today. Over the course of four days, you will develop skills in leadership, criticalthinking and communication. You will work together to discuss issues that directly affect you, and the people you know. More importantly, Youth Declaration will be an unforgettable experience – packed with expert speakers, workshops and awesome social events! Be prepared to make friends with other passionate and inspiring youth! It’s your future. Be heard. Youth Declaration is a one-of-a-kind conference where secondary school students mingle with each other, as well as passionate facilitators from universities across the country, over the course of four days. We shared our ideas with one another and ultimately presented our beliefs and recommendations in a glossy document to the decision makers of the country, collectively amplifying our voice. Thanks to UN Youth NZ; we all went home a little more articulate, a little more knowledgeable, and a whole lot more inspired – Charlie Lin
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2.
DETAILS DATE
Youth Declaration will take place from Friday 13th to Monday 16th of April 2012. These dates are the middle weekend of the first term break.
VENUE
Youth Declaration will be held at the University of Auckland. As New Zealand’s largest and shiniest university, it’s the perfect venue. Close to the heart of Auckland CBD, the venue is a short walk away from your pre and post conference activities!
FACILITATORS
You will be guided and supported throughout the conference. Two trained facilitators who are knowledgeable about the issues under discussion will run each focus group. They will be your mentors and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
FOCUS GROUPS
12 separate groups centered on different issues allow you to choose areas that you find most interesting.
THE DECLARATION 3.
The final day brings everyone together to consider all recommendations made from each focus group and vote on which statements will make it into the final Declaration. This process ensures a Declaration that represents the views of all youth present.
EXPERTS AND WORKSHOPS
OUTREACH
Throughout the event you will hear from interesting and knowledgeable guest speakers. There will be also be a range of workshops, debates and forums to broaden your horizons.
Spend time with a community organization relevant to your focus group. This will give you the chance to gain first-hand experience with the issues you discuss and learn from those who work in the field.
SOCIALS
Though the discussion at Youth Declaration can be intense, it is balanced by plenty of chances to relax, unwind and get to know other youth and facilitators.
DRESS
Youth Declaration includes several formal functions including the dinner and closing ceremony. A formal standard of dress is recommended throughout the conference. This could be school uniforms or other smart business-like attire.
FORMAL DINNER
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the formal dinner on Sunday. This dinner is a celebration of the passion and hard work that has gone into Youth Declaration. Held at a stunning inner city venue, it is sure to recharge batteries for the final day.
SCHOLARSHIPS
There is a range of scholarships available to help you attend Youth Declaration. These may cover travel, accommodation and conference fees. 4.
FOCUS GROUPS Discussion at Youth Declaration takes place in 12 focus groups, each with 12 members. Focus groups are an integral part of Youth Declaration. The atmosphere within groups is the perfect way to learn and discuss issues. Participants will be free to propose ideas in an open and accepting environment. Focus groups are broad enough to ensure a diverse and interesting range of topics are covered. The smaller size of focus groups also makes it easier to get to know people. The groups are listed below. For each group there are questions that indicate the kind of issues that may be discussed, but these are just a guide.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
How do we reduce child abuse? Should youth have more of a say in Government? What are the challenges growing up in New Zealand?
HEALTH
What can the government do to promote growth? What are the growth areas for our economy? How does New Zealand fit into world markets?
Are we doing enough to tackle obesity? What steps are needed to reduce health inequalities? Are measures needed to deal with an ageing population?
EDUCATION
GOVERNMENT
What subjects should be compulsory in schools? How we combat educational underachievement? What defines a well-rounded education?
Do we really need Māori seats? Are changes to our electoral system needed? What powers should local government have?
ENVIRONMENT
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
How can we clean up our rivers? Is the government doing enough about climate change? What changes are needed to move towards sustainability?
Should New Zealand sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement? How should New Zealand develop relationships in the Asia-Pacific region? What are New Zealand’s global responsibilities?
GENDER
LAW AND ORDER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
How can we tackle inequalities in educational outcomes? Are women underrepresented in top positions? Is it possible to end gender discrimination?
Should dangerous prisoners be kept in prison beyond the length of their sentences? Do we need to raise the legal drinking age? Do we need more focus on victims’ rights?
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
What is the best way to stop youth unemployment? Do we need to change the way social services are provided? Should beneficiaries be required to work for the dole?
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
Should the Government be picking growth areas? Can New Zealand enterprises really compete worldwide? Why are young people not getting involved in science?
MĀORI, PACIFIC ISLAND AND MINORITY AFFAIRS
Why do Māori and Pacific Islanders have lower than average health and education? How should Māori perspectives and beliefs be incorporated into Government decisions? How do we recognise and respect ethnic minorities?
6.
REGISTRATION The conference fee for Youth Declaration is $60. This covers all meals during the conference. We will be recommending some accommodation options, however it is up to participants to arrange their own transport and accommodation. Due to the limited number of places available, registration is essential. As well as basic information, the application process asks a few questions about your motivations for attending Youth Declaration. Be sure to give these some thought, as we will use these to make selection decisions. Apply online at www.unyouth.org.nz by the 20th of March. We will be in touch by the 24th of March to confirm your place! For any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Registrations Officer Kyung-il Min at kyung-il.min@unyouth.org.nz. If you have any other queries please direct it towards the appropriate committee member. Coordinator – Sally Wu (sally.wu@unyouth.org.nz) Assistant Coordinator – Yanjie Long (yanjie.long@unyouth.org.nz) Communications Officer – Elia Kim (elia.kim@unyouth.org.nz) Education Officer – Elliot Hurst (elliot.hurst@unyouth.org.nz) Logistics Officer – Suzy McKinney (suzy.mckinney@unyouth.org.nz) For more information, please visit: http://www.unyouth.org.nz/events/national-events/youth-declaration
WHAT IS UN YOUTH? United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand, or UN Youth, serves as the youth arm of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). WFUNA has consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Despite only being in existence since 1999, UN Youth creates an amazing opportunity for youth to express themselves, learn about the United Nations and provide positive solutions for what is, ultimately, their future. Visit our website: www.unyouth.org.nz Get the latest updates on our Facebook: facebook.com/unyouthnz
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THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND BRANCH), INC IS THE YOUTH ARM OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND, A MEMBER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS (WFUNA)