Youth Parliament is the Y Northern Territory’s non-partisan youth leadership and advocacy program, designed for young Territorians aged 16 to 25. The program brings together passionate young people from urban, regional, and remote communities to speak up on the issues that matter most to them.Run by young people, for young people, Youth Parliament provides a ...
Y Northern Territory (YMCA)
Youth Parliament
GOAL
$50,000
Australia > NT > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Civic engagement and democracy
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Y Northern Territory (YMCA)
The Y Northern Territory is a not-for-profit, community organisation working for a better world, with and for young people. Proudly Territorian, we’ve been delivering grassroots programs across the Northern Territory for over 50 years. At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. When children and young people have a strong foundation, the tools to grow and the right support, we know it can have a profound impact on the trajectory of their lives, and on the world around them. That’s why we’re dedicated to walking alongside children and young people, from their early life to adulthood. Because when they thrive, we all thrive. To realise our vision of a better world, we commit our energy, courage and creativity to achieving tangible progress across our four Pillars of Impact: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, a Sustainable Planet, and a Just World. Our areas of impact guide the grassroots work we do each and every day. Our Youth Services create safe spaces for young people to be themselves. We build respectful relationships through mentoring and targeted support, empowering young people to develop new skills, set and achieve goals, and stay connected to education, training, or employment. We support remote Aboriginal communities to operate local swimming pools – valuable community spaces that contribute to positive social and health outcomes. We’re committed to working with, and for, children, young people and communities to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world, where every person can thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Project Summary
Youth Parliament is the Y Northern Territory’s non-partisan youth leadership and advocacy program, designed for young Territorians aged 16 to 25. The program brings together passionate young people from urban, regional, and remote communities to speak up on the issues that matter most to them.
Run by young people, for young people, Youth Parliament provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the political process, develop leadership skills, and build their confidence.
Through a series of workshops, mentorship, and support, participants draft and debate their own Youth Bills in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, experiencing firsthand how change can begin with their voice.
A dedicated team of young volunteers co-designs and delivers the learning program, acting as mentors and role models who guide participants through the process and celebrate their growth every step of the way.
The mission of Youth Parliament is simple but powerful: to empower young Territorians to use their voices to create the change they want to see in their communities, showing young people that their ideas, perspectives, and leadership matter and that they have the ability to make a real difference.
Project Outcomes
Youth Parliament achieves a wide range of meaningful outcomes for young people, both in the short term and long term. These outcomes span personal development, civic engagement, leadership, and community impact.
Youth Parliamentarians develop skills in leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, storytelling and public speaking with a diverse range of peers from across the Territory. Through debating, presenting, and collaborating, participants refine their written and verbal communication skills. Participants develop self-confidence as they speak in front of peers, politicians, and the general public, realising that their words and ideas matter.
Participants lead the development of bills and petitions, learning to work collaboratively and take initiative. Writing bills and responding to debates helps participants think strategically, analyse issues, and defend ideas. Young people’s solutions to complex and real problems are heard by decision-makers in the Legislative Assembly.
Young people in the Northern Territory gain a comprehensive understanding of civics, citizenship, and law-making, resulting in increased civic engagement. Participants learn how laws are created, how governments operate, and how to interact with decision-makers. Many participants leave the program motivated to vote, participate in local councils, and remain involved in civic life. Participants gain insight into issues that concern their peers across the Territory and national issues, with opportunities to research, reflect, and develop informed positions.
Young people are celebrated for their excellence and connected to a community striving to make a better world. Participants are often invited to continue their leadership through advisory panels, internships, and community roles.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $192,928
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| The Phillips Foundation | $50,000 |
| Northern Territory Government | $50,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Staffing | $122,053 |
| Adminsitration Services and Supplies | $3,663 |
| Program Expenses | $53,040 |
| Business Support Fee | $9,950 |
| Volunteer Expenses | $2,236 |
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