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 2020 Youth Parliament Program.

The YMCA SA Youth Parliament is a personal development program for 15 to 25-year-olds, providing an opportunity for young people to gain a strong understanding of parliamentary process and encouraging participants to be leaders.

Participants are recruited from across South Australia and will represent a wide range of 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.

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

“We’ve had a number of young people from our electorate participate in the past who have benefited greatly from the experience and it would be wonderful to see as many young people as possible access this opportunity in 2020.”

Regional scholarships are available to individuals to support the costs of travel to and from Adelaide for the training weekend and the residential week. Participants can received assistance to seek external sponsorship for the participant fees.

For more information and to apply visit www.sa.ymca.org.au or phone 8200 2514.

KEY DATES

Applications close: Sunday 15 March 2020

Training weekend: Saturday 25 April – Sunday 26 April 2020Parliament week: Sunday 12 July – Friday 17 July 2020