Skip to content Skip to section navigation Skip to site navigation
Government Info & Assistance

Youth Parliament

Engage, Involve

 

 

The Victorian Government is supporting the YMCA Youth Parliament program.

YMCA Youth Parliament is an opportunity for young Victorians to stand up, talk hard and be heard. Any Victorian aged 16-25 who wants to have their voice heard is eligible to participate.

What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament involves 20 teams of six people who:

  • Learn to draft and debate legislation
  • Conduct research into issues
  • Receive training in public speaking and leadership skills.

More than 20 Bills passed by Youth Parliament have gone on to become law, including laws covering:

  • Mandatory wearing of bike helmets
  • Nightclub safety reforms
  • Blood alcohol content for those accompanying learner drivers
  • Legal recognition for carers of people with disabilities

All of this training and experience can help further your education and employment opportunities.

What's Involved?

Participants take part in a nine-day residential training program that culminates in them formally debating bills in the Victorian Parliamentary chambers.

As part of a team of six, youth parliamentarians:

  • Are mentored through the process of writing a Bill (an unpassed piece of legislation)
  • Attend a six-day residential program
  • Present and debate the merits of their Bill in the chambers of Parliament House

For a bit more about what's involved, check out "Youth Parliament: A Training Ground for Budding Leaders" by former Youth Central roving reporter Hsin-Yi.

When Does It Happen?

The training weekend will be happening between Friday 31 May and 2 June 2013, and is compulsory.
The 2013 Youth Parliament will sit on Monday 1, Tuesday 2 and Thursday 4 July 2013 between 9am and 4pm.

How Do I Apply?

To Apply to be part of Youth Parliament 2013, head over to the YMCA Youth Parliament website (new window) for application forms and guidelines and more information about the program.

Assistance with Fundraising and Sponsorship

The cost of participating in Youth Parliament is around $4000 per team of six. If you or your team need help with fundraising or support, there are a number of ways the Youth Parliament Taskforce can help with fundraising or finding sponsorship if necessary for participating teams.

Information about deposits, discounts and obtaining sponsorship will be forwarded to successful applicants. Some schools, community groups or YMCA-managed centres sponsor teams to attend.

Additional funding assistance is also available for rural and regional teams, who should indicate on the application form if they require additional financial support.

For more information about assistance and sponsorship, check out the Youth Parliament Support for the Teams page (new window).

Back to more youth programs.

Share >