WHAT IS THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD?

Plan International Australia works hard to ensure that children and girls everywhere can learn, lead, decide and thrive. We work with young people to put them at the centre of the work we do, and this is what the Youth Activist Series is all about.

Today, we have the largest generation of young people the world has ever seen. You have the potential to build a better world – you already are – and we want to help empower and amplify your voices.

WHAT IS THE YOUTH ACTIVIST SERIES?

Plan International’s Youth Activists are a force to be reckoned with. They receive intensive training in gender equality literacy, advocacy and campaigning, research, stakeholder and government relations, media and communications, and then go out into the world and tackle inequality head on.

They are fearless, powerful and feminist.

As a Youth Activist, you may have the chance to be involved in:

• Advocacy and campaign planning    

• Media appearances   
• Research 
• Influencing decision makers  
• Social media and communications    
• Supporting youth activism globally    
• Contributing to Plan International Australia’s policy agenda

In 2021, the Youth Activist Series will be supported by The Body Shop Australia; an organisation with deep activist roots and strong values around empowering young women. As a part of this, our youth activists will have the opportunity to be involved in public engagement activities, training and events with The Body Shop. This support will also include in-store photos and storytelling from the 2021 youth activists to engage the Australian community to support the next generation of leaders.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

You need to be:

• 16 – 24 years old and passionate about gender and social justice 
• Residing in Melbourne or Sydney

If you are under 18 years of age you will need to seek permission from your parent or guardian to participate in the program.

Time commitment:

The Youth Activist Series is a 12-month commitment. We expect you to attend 80% of the webinars and workshops, to maximise your skills development and ensure that you are ready to fight for gender justice.

We expect that you will actively partake in activities and events throughout the year and respond to ad-hoc opportunities as they come up. Some months will be busier than others (particularly May, June, September and October).

The Youth Activist Series training weekend is compulsory and will take place in Melbourne on the 20th and 21st of February 2021. Flights and accommodation for Sydney-based youth activists will be covered by Plan International Australia. You will be required to be available during the day and for group dinners over that weekend. Please note, this will depend on the COVID-19 restrictions and will be updated according to the restrictions in place at the time. 

Webinars (2 hours once a week, for one month):

In the evenings of March: 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 

Workshops:

There will be a number of workshops throughout the year providing additional training, updates on our work and to involve you in planning, co-design of and execution of projects. We will always try to let you know at least 2 weeks in advance of the date, and find a time that best suits participants. 

How to apply

For your application to be considered, you must apply via our website by clicking apply now.