Forty-five young people from across South Australia gathered in Adelaide on Friday 26 June for the inaugural Young Changemakers Network SA Summit, marking the beginning of a new youth-led initiative designed to support young people to create positive change in their communities.
The Young Changemakers Network SA is a flagship program of the Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia. Bringing together young people aged 14–17 from metropolitan, regional and remote communities, the program provides opportunities to build leadership skills, develop campaigns and connect directly with decision-makers.
Participants in the inaugural cohort represent 10 regions across South Australia and bring a diverse range of experiences, perspectives and ideas. Together, they have identified campaign topics including mental health and wellbeing, climate, cost of living, homelessness and civic participation.
Commissioner for Children and Young People Dr Kylie Heneker said the program responds to a growing desire among young people to be actively involved in shaping the future.
“Young people consistently tell us they want to influence decisions and be part of shaping the future, not just asked about their concerns.”
Dr Heneker said the program is designed to help young people put their ideas for change into action.
“Children and young people are citizens now, not only in the future. They understand the challenges they face, but they also bring creativity, insight and solutions. The Young Changemakers Network creates opportunities for young people to work together on the issues they care about, develop practical skills and build networks across South Australia.”
Over the next six months, participants will be supported by mentors, a series of facilitated workshops and community partners as they develop and deliver youth-led initiatives in their local communities.
The program will culminate in a second summit later this year, where participants will present their campaigns and ideas to local government representatives, state MPs, philanthropists and community leaders.
For Dr Heneker, the program is about ensuring young people have genuine opportunities to influence decisions and contribute to solutions.
“Young people are clear that they don’t feel heard unless something happens in response.”
“The Young Changemakers Network is about ensuring young people have genuine opportunities to contribute to shaping their communities and their future. It is an investment in the next generation of changemakers and in a South Australia where every child and young person has what they need, feels they belong and can contribute to shaping their world.”
