ACTING as advocates and a support for young people, Highlands LLEN\u2019s inclusive and diverse Youth Advisory Board is seeking new members to be the next generation of changemakers in the Ballarat region.<\/p>\n
The collective of aspiring leaders aged 15 to 26 was established just over three years ago, existing to make the community an even better place to live for young people.<\/p>\n
Working with and advising organisations and levels of government, the YAB has a goal to address and solve issues facing young adults, teenagers, and children.<\/p>\n
YAB member Taylah Redgewell said the Board is a \u201ccritical link\u201d for youth to network, not only amongst themselves, but with professionals and groups that can help them make a difference into the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt allows me to connect with a range of people, from all backgrounds and all parts of the Ballarat community, which is an important part of who I am,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor anyone looking to discover this link [with their community], the YAB is an excellent initiative to do so. Participating in a range of activities, events and initiatives is an awesome and easy way to feel a part of our wider community.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the two years I have been in YAB, it has allowed me to look at our youth community differently and get exposure to multiple groups of people which will help me all throughout my lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Highlands LLEN\u2019s YAB coordinator Chloe Waddell said despite the challenges of the pandemic over the last two years, the Board has continued to meet, whether in-person or remotely, stay engaged with the community, and produce \u201cvaluable work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust this year the YAB have created and donated community library boxes to three early learning centres, and have created a men\u2019s mental health poster campaign that you might be seeing in local venues soon,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have completed a project supported by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to assist with their climate adaptation strategy, and highlight youth concerns and perspectives around climate change and climate adaptation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe YAB have engaged in advisory opportunities with various members of the community, to offer genuine youth input. One example was providing consultancy to a local organisation around youth perspectives of what information they need, or what misinformation they have received, around COVID vaccines, and how they have been impacted by the pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent YAB fundraising efforts have included a Grill\u2019d Local Matters jar, and musical bingo at Hop Temple, and they\u2019re currently excitedly brainstorming for a proactive 2022 after their summer break.<\/p>\n
The Board meets every three to four weeks, and advisors are reimbursed for time spent attending the meetings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe YAB celebrates everyone, including those with diverse backgrounds, different levels of abilities, and those with various lived experiences,\u201d Ms Waddell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe YAB is a space for everyone to feel as though they can belong, and contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n