The YMCA NSW Youth Parliament is a highly prestigious annual forum for young people representing each seat in NSW, which aims to promote youth-led advocacy, active community leadership, legal and parliamentary education.
"The YMCA NSW Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to represent their electorate and to learn about the parliamentary process with the aim of addressing issues facing young people in NSW" Charles said.
Ultimately, only one nominee will be selected to represent Strathfield and those interested in applying must fulfil the following criteria:
• 15-18 years old (inclusive) as of April 2012;
• Lives in the Strathfield Electorate;
• Active in their school or community;
• Passionate about youth issues, politics and/or social change;
• Able to seek the views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent them at YMCA
NSW Youth Parliament 2011;
• Desire to grow as a young leader in their community and develop public speaking, debating and professional writing skills
• Able to undertake the time commitment of being a Youth MP – that is, three (3) day Training Camp in April, ongoing work on Youth Parliament activities and a week-long Residential Camp in the July school holidays;
"I am looking for nominees who are passionate about making Strathfield a better place to live in, who want to improve their skills in public speaking, leadership and who want to learn about New South Wales Parliament and procedure" Charles said.
The nomination process is competitive and those wishing to apply must contact the Strathfield Electorate Office for a nomination form:
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: 9747 1711
Nominees must also complete a personal statement that outlines their strengths, character, and what issues they feel that they could give voice to within the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament 2012. Nominees must also supply a supporting reference from their school principal.
The costs involved for the NSW YMCA Youth Parliament is $600, which covers the entire length of the program and is inclusive of program activities, accommodation, food and transport to and from the accommodation site to NSW Parliament House during Training and Residential Camp.
Nominations will close on the 11th November 2011 and the successful applicant will be advised immediately after the 18th November 2011.