Young South Australians have the unique opportunity to create change by having their voices heard at the highest level of State Government with applications now open for the 2016 Youth Parliament Program.

The YMCA SA Youth Parliament is a personal development program for 15-24 year olds which provides an opportunity for young people to gain a strong understanding of parliamentary process and encourages participants to be leaders in the community.

Participants are recruited from across South Australia and will represent a wide range of personal backgrounds. They will be trained in parliamentary etiquette, public speaking and Bill development. These Bills are then debated during Youth Parliament Week in Parliament House under the same protocols that apply in the South Australian Parliament.

The Bills that are passed by the Youth Parliament are sent onto the South Australian Government, giving young people a unique opportunity to have their views heard.

To participate in the program young people are invited to apply as an individual or to enter a team of up to eight people.

“I strongly encourage all interested people and schools to put forward applications,” said Member for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP.

Regional scholarships are available to individuals to support the costs of travel and accommodation to and from Adelaide for the training weekend and the residential week.

For more information, including about fees and regional travel scholarships, visit www.sa.ymca.org.au or phone 8200 2500.

KEY DATES

Applications close: Sunday 13 March 2016

Training weekend: Saturday 14 May – Sunday 15 May 2016

Residential week: Sunday 10 July – Friday 15 July 2016