The Scoop Newsletter November 2015
YACSA Update Hello and welcome to edition #4 of The Scoop It’s been all go at YACSA since the last edition of The Scoop – so busy in fact this edition is a little late so we’re calling it the November/December edition (!). Throughout November we consulted young people to find out what you know about government engagement policy and practice and how (or if) you’d like to be engaged in the future (check out the results on page 4). We started with a survey that attracted around 160 responses and took the opportunity to unpack the survey results and explore options for
contents YACSA Update
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No More ‘Boys Will Be Boys’
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Youth Engagement Survey
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NETFEST 2016
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To My Year 12 Self
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Handy Hansard
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Opportunities
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encouraging greater participation in government decision making at our inaugural young member policy group meeting on the 23rd. Since then we’ve conducted an additional focus group and prepared a resource which will be delivered to the young member policy group for final approval. We’ll have more news about that in the January edition so keep an eye out for that. Did you see our handy GLS infographic on Facebook? Hopefully it was a useful reminder about the rules for anyone who made the trip to Victor Harbor to celebrate Schoolies. We farewelled Annie and welcomed Samara to the communications role in November. Samara will be publishing The Scoop from now on so if you have any ideas or would like to submit something for the January edition, email yacsa@yacsa.com.au From everyone at Team YACSA, best wishes for a safe and happy holiday and New Year. Cheers Anne
No More ‘Boys Will Be Boys’
personal behaviour. This is not a job that – Hamish Richardson can or should be done by DV campaigners. Nor is it primarily a job for law enforcement, community leaders, churches or politicians. Ken Lay, in a recent speech, argued that Over the past 12 months like no time before, the issue of violence against women society must take responsibility for what it teaches youth about gender roles – that has been in the national spotlight. The every individual has a responsibility to vocal presence of powerful campaigners reflect on how their private life is complicit such as Rosie Batty has inspired a national in the gender norms that lead to gendered discussion; a realisation of the awareness violence. A societal responsibility to eliminate domestic violence campaigners sought to the phrase ‘boys will be boys’ from the achieve. This national discussion must now national lexicon, thus lifting the shield we be used to talk about how individuals can had used to justify the abhorrent behaviour be part of the solution – and it is absolutely of our young men. vital that young people take the lead. This spotlight is an opportunity that must be If you ask me, it is a job for every single embraced. The naturally arising question young person, too. The reasoning for this from this national discussion is how can is simple; generational change is the most individuals influence the social change that effective way of challenging the attitudes Australia needs? Powerful journalistic pieces, and social norms that are the root causes of such as Sarah Ferguson’s Hitting Home, violence against women. go a long way to exploring the intricacies Every young person must be of the issue, answering the questions many equipped with the tools and skills have. The advocacy of individuals like Rosie to effectively challenge these Batty, and former Victorian Police Chief norms; it is never, ever, too early. Commissioner Ken Lay, goes a long way to sparking remarkably valuable discussion. How can young people tangibly and directly Passionate campaigners and powerful be part of the solution, beyond awareness? voices are a significant and effective part Bystander intervention. We all know the ugly of empowering the social change we need; blokey culture that exists within our nation; but they are not in a position to change the at our sporting events, in our workplaces statistics alone. and in the backyard. It exists in our schools
It is, unfortunately, not enough to save the nearly two women a week that are losing their life to violence against women. If this is going to change, it will be a matter of empowering individuals to change
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The Scoop November 2015
too. It must not stand unchallenged. The task can seem daunting; speaking up, often against those more structurally powerful, can take courage. It is, however, absolutely vital. It can be as simple as explaining why a joke is inappropriate, or expressing the problem with objectification.
It is one thing for these positive messages about gender roles and inequality to be expressed through orchestrated social media campaigns and speeches on TV, but when a friend challenges the behaviour of a friend, you have the most powerful message of all. The only reason we have a culture that promotes gender inequality is because it goes unchallenged and is allowed to thrive. Once challenged, while it may take time and a massive amount of effort, there is no way that culture can continue to thrive. That is when we will see the elimination of violence against women; when respect overwhelms disrespect and inequality.
The White Ribbon Campaign is Australia’s campaign to eliminate violence against women. A large part of that campaign is the involvement of community leaders in the form of ambassadors and, more recently, advocates. While ambassadors and advocates have a number of responsibilities, such as representing the campaign, or speaking publicly at fundraising events, their primary role is a simple one; to influence change within their own communities. To challenge the behaviour of self and those around, so as to better the world for everyone that community touches. To find out more about the work that White Ribbon does, or to become an ambassador or advocate, visit their website.
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Youth Engagement Survey Throughout November we consulted young people to find out what you know about government engagement policy and practice and how (of if ) you’d like to be engaged in the future. Here’s a snapshot of the results from our Youth Engagement Survey.
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young people aged 12 - 25 responded to the youth engagement survey
51.8%
of youth engagement survey respondents came from regional or remote South Australia
WHICH ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY SHOULD GOVERNMENT USE?
Young people were clear that there was no “one size, fits all” engagement method that government should employ a range of mechanism tailored to encourage as many young people as possible to engage in government decision making.
HOW YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO ENGAGE WITH GOVERNMENT WHAT DOES GOVERNMENT NEED • Regular and ongoing committees • Community forums • Committees comprising young people and decision makers • A dedicated website, social media engagement and online surveys
Keep informed about the results of the youth engagement survey and upcoming advocacy work and campaigns on our Facebook, Twitter and website
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TO DO TO ENSURE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT?
• Young people should contribute to the agenda, the structure and outcomes of any engagement process • Young people should be listened to and their contributions should be valued and respected • The contributions and input of young people should lead to a tangible decision or outcome • young people should be informed adequately before, during and after engagement.
NETFEST 2016 YACSA hosts an event for youth sector workers each year called Netfest. The day is about bringing workers together from across the state to share information, learn new skills and network. Next year, we’d like to include a session on youth engagement so we’re asking young people who may be interested in doing a presentation to get in touch. The presentation would be 10 – 15 minutes long and we’d like to hear about your experiences engaging with workers, services, or organisations. What worked, what didn’t work and what you think workers and organisations can do to make sure young people receive welcoming, appropriate, and inclusive services. Interested? Contact Kristy by email Kristy@yacsa.com.au or 8211 7546 for more information.
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User: Md saad andalib / Title: Graduation Day / Flickr / CC-BY-SA 2.0
To My Year 12 Self As we speak, young people around the country are finishing up their exams, clearing out lockers and heading out into the big wide world. It’s an exciting and scary time, whether you’re starting a new job, going on to further study or travelling the world. You’re probably also getting a lot of advice from many different corners. We thought we’d throw our hat in the ring, because, well, we’re the experts, right? So here are five pieces of advice I would give to my Year 12 self. Disclaimer: I left school 10 years ago so depending on how you look at it, I’m either a haggard old crone or just a young whippersnapper with no life experience whatsoever. Feel free to ignore or mock any or all advice given. Life is not determined by grades at school – chances are you'll very rarely think of what your ATAR score was. In fact, if you are mentioning it in five years' time, you may find a proportionate lack of friends. Whether you know what you want to do or not, go out and live your life and <insert quote about the journey not the destination>. Seriously though, you can't predict or have much say over what happens in your life, but what you can determine is the type of person that those things happen to. Work on that (as well as opening yourself to opportunity) and you'll be in a good position to take up the challenges and chances that come your way. And if you find that what you want to do is not available to you, go out and do it yourself. People who are older than you aren't any smarter than you, they are just more scared. As they've calcified, they've often confused a wealth of experience for a wealth of intelligence. But probably don't say that to anyone's face ... Or maybe that's just the old person in me talking. My perspective has always been that you've got to make your own mistakes – so go with your gut and don’t be afraid to fuck up. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’ve fucked up, either, and take it on board (mainly so you can bore your own children with the story of the time you broke your teeth and why you should never climb fences and watch them wilfully ignore you). I’m sure that you hear it all the time; you can't know the future of work/living/the planet. On behalf of previous generations, I’m sorry about that. I do hope you get robot servants as compensation for how we've fucked up the world (treat them well though, or you'll be dealing with robot race riots in 50 years' time). So work with what you’ve got, and take opportunities as they arise – don’t be scared of change (see point 3). Be honest with yourself and with others. ALRIGHT, HERE’S THE CHEESE FACTOR. I think that although this can be a more painful way to live, it probably helps you to be happier. Don’t want to go to that weird pyramid scheme party? Say no. Realise that you want to make a change in your life? Own it and make it happen. So congratulations to all those year 12s (and Uni/TAFE students) that are coming to end of this part of your life. Whether you've loved or hated school, do try to remember how you feel now so you don't become one of those crusty old adults that you can't relate to.
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Handy Hansard Hansard is the official report of the debates and proceedings of the SA parliament. We like it because we can see who’s been saying what about youth affairs and young people. You can access it yourself and search for terms, but we look at it regularly so we will provide a snapshot for you in this section of the newsletter. Last month, there was a motion moved by the Opposition to condemn “the state government for its failure to address the exit of people leaving South Australia for study, career and lifestyle opportunities”. It inspired a very heated discussion, some of which you can read below. Find the full transcript here.
The Member for Chaffey, the Hon Mr Whetstone, opened the motion: An announcement has just come out about the people of South Australia. The trend unemployment is 8.1 per cent. The number of South Australians who are now unemployed has risen from 69,400 to 71,000. This is an ongoing crisis in South Australia. It is the most people unemployed since 1995. Speaking to one of my daughter’s friends who is under 20, in a lot of cases most of her friends are going interstate to attend university and they have already been given cadetships while they are interstate. Yet over here in South Australia there isn’t that opportunity, and it raises real concerns. There is a huge migration of South Australians leaving the state and some of the numbers have indicated that since 2002 more than 36,000 South Australians have migrated interstate – that is since 2002. Under the Labor government, 36,000 have moved and moved for their own benefit. Most of the young ones are not prepared to just wait for an opportunity. They have to create their own opportunity, and in doing that they are having to move interstate. That is the real concern.
The Member for Davenport, Mr Duluk, threw his hat in the ring as a part of Gen Y (admittedly, towards the latter end): South Australia has always had a history of people moving to Melbourne and Sydney, and we are not going to stop that. We are not going to pretend that it is not going to happen. We see people moving from the country to the bigger cities. The problem is the trend of what is happening. The trend is that more and more young South Australians are leaving every day. The other problem is that where maybe a generation ago they were leaving by choice, they were leaving because they wanted to go to see something else, these days they are leaving because they need to—necessity is forcing them to leave South Australia. We need to have our young people staying here. We need to reverse an ageing population. An ageing population does not lead to vibrancy in a city. It is more expensive, obviously, to have an ageing population.
We are facing a brain drain here in South Australia. Many of our young, qualified, good minds are moving because there is this view: ‘Why would we stay here in South Australia when there’s nothing going on?’ In a conversation I had with a group of under 30 year olds who have not long finished their university degrees—and some are skilled tradespeople and young professionals—they gave me a comparison: here in South Australia if you could earn a wage of around $75,000, in New South Wales with the same qualifications you earn between $120,000 and $150,000 for the same job. It is more expensive to live in New South Wales, but the side issue is that there are opportunities there; opportunities to prosper; opportunities to get along in life. ... Out of the 14 that I spoke to in that group, two are staying in South Australia ... their description of South Australia is: ‘It’s dead. There’s nothing going on here, so we’re moving.’
Another Gen Y-er, the Member for Schubert, Mr Knoll, closed with this accusation: Vibrancy does not, in and of itself, encourage young people to stay here in South Australia. Vibrancy is actually the product of a strong economy; it does not create one, and that is something that I do not think this government understands to any great respect.
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Opportunities FREE STI TESTING Confidential walk-in clinics, no appointment necessary. Free HIV testing, PEP, Hepatitis B vaccinations, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception (no Medicare card needed). Clinic 275 Monday & Friday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday 11am - 6:30pm Thursday 1 - 4:30pm 1st Floor, 275 North Terrace, Adelaide Phone: 08 8222 5075 GP Plus Elizabeth Mondays 1 - 4:30pm Tueday 9:30am - 4:30pm (except public holidays) 16 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth Phone: 08 7485 4000
ONKAPARINGA YOUTH VENUES RENAMING COMPETITION Imagine walking along with your mini ipad in hand and.......BOOM....you see YOUR name idea in giant letters across the building! You could be the one to name our youth venues at Aldinga, Christie Downs and Reynella. Complete the form and email to the addresses shown for each centre. You can get a copy of the forms at the Onkaparinga Youth Facebook page. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to read the terms and conditions. Good luck!
Do you experience problem eating? UniSA is running a psychotherapy course for people experiencing eating problems. This program is similar to a training course, aimed at helping participants to learn how to manage difficulties with eating and emotions. Where: The UniSA Psychology Clinic, Magill When: 90-minute sessions will be held weekly (start dates TBA) Cost: $15 per/session Courses will be run by registered psychologists, supervised by a clinical psychologist with specialist experience in the treatment of eating disorders. For more information, please contact: UniSA Psychology Clinic Phone: (08) 8302 4875 Do you want to see your opportunity for young people
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The Scoop? Get in touch with us at yacsa@yacsa.com.au.
PEACE Multicultural Services is excited to introduce the first edition of the “Omid” electronic magazine of which you can read online and/or download for free. “Omid”, an electronic magazine for Afghan and Farsi speakers who are same-sex attracted, trans-gendered or who are questioning their sexuality and/or gender, is the first of its kind. AIME is currently seeking applications for the role of Program Assistant for their 2016 program. If you live and breathe the values of AIME, and have strong administration and data skills, check out this position! For any questions, or to apply contact Tom at tp@aimementoring.com Jibba Jabba eZine Summer edition is out now!
Do you have an idea for a project that could make a difference? The Propeller Fund supports projects that are youth-led, have social or environmental impact, demonstrate low impact and have community networks. Each week, the Propeller fund gives away $500 to young people aged 15 - 25 to help them turn their ideas into a reality. For more information, or to submit an application, go to http://www.propellerproject.com.au/ Home/ApplyForFunding
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