Getting involved: A resource list

There are many ways for young people in Australia to get involved at the local, State and Territory or national levels. The following list provides a selection of contacts for getting involved in national or international forums, political parties and volunteer groups.

Youth forums

National and international

National Youth Congress
An annual national event of the National Youth Initiative (NYI), the congress this year was held in March. Delegates from around the country come together to discuss national issues relevant to young people. Recommendations are passed on to the Federal Minister for Youth Affairs. Work in regional groups follow the national conference to initiate community action plans and projects.

National Youth Week
National Youth Week is a joint Australian Government, State, Territory and Local Government initiative. A calendar of events and activities in which young people can become involved, such as the annual award The Young Australian of the Year, can be found on the website (http://www.youthweek.com/).

The Australian Forum of Youth Organizations
The Australian Forum of Youth Organization's mission is to provide high-level advice to the Australian Government on key youth related issues and to progress key policy objectives on behalf of all young Australians and the organizations working with them. The principal goal of the Forum is to promote the empowerment and positive image of youth through involvement in consultation between the Government and the youth sector as well as with the sector itself. Detailed information about the Forum and its activities and how young people can become involved is available on the website: http://www.thesource.gov.au/

Political parties

Australian Young Labor
Information on Australian Young Labor (AYL) is available on their website: http://www.alp.org.au/about/ayl.html. The Australian Labor Party's website is: http://www.alp.org.au/; email: natsect@alp.org.au

Young Australian Democrats
Information on the Young Australian Democrats (YAD) is available from the YAD, 96 St. Kilda Road, Victoria 3182. The Australian Democrats website is: http://www.democrats.org.au/; email: inquiries@democrats.org.au

Young Liberal Movement of Australia
Information on the Young Liberal Movement of Australia (YLMA) is available from the YLMA at PO Box E13, Queen Victoria Terrace, Canberra ACT 2600. The Liberal Party website (http://www.liberal.org.au/) has an email form for feedback and comments.

Young National Party of Australia
Information on the Young National Party of Australia (YNPA) is available for the YNPA at PO Box 403, Spring Hill Qld 4004. The Queensland National Party website is: http://www.npa.org.au/, email: npa@npa.org.au The website for the Federal National Party is http://www.nationals.org.au/.

Volunteer groups

There are many volunteer groups which provide young people with the opportunity to contribute to international, national, state wide and local organization services and projects. There are many different ways volunteers can contribute and many different areas young people can become involved in. Information on the organizations listed below can be found on their individual websites. They will provide details on projects and how to join in their activities.

Community and welfare services

  • Red Cross
  • RSPCA
  • Salvation Army
  • Health and emergency services
    • Volunteer Ambulance Officers - Tasmania
    • CanTeen
    • Guide Dogs Association
    • St John's Ambulance
    • State Emergency Service
    • Country Fire Authority

    Environment

    • Clean Up Australia
    • Landcare
    • Keep Australia Beautiful
    • Greenpeace
    • GreenCorps

    Sports, recreation and service groups

    • Guides Australia
    • Scouts Australia
    • Little Athletics Association
    • Lions Club
    • Apex Club of Australia
    • Surf Life Saving Australia

    Overseas Aid

    • Australian Volunteers Overseas World Vision Australia Australian Youth Ambassadors
    • Oxfam
    • Community Aid Abroad

    Add to the list

    Do you know about an event or a group for young people to get involved in? If you would like to add to the list, please send your information to YourSay@curriculum.edu.au