Applications for NAPCAN's Youth Advisory Council now open!

Opportunity

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is seeking a diverse and passionate group of young people aged between 13-25 to represent the voices and opinions of young people across Australia and help influence projects within NAPCAN.

What’s the Objective?

NAPCAN strongly values the voices of youth and is inspired by the opportunities, ideas, and solutions that young people have to offer. This Youth Advisory Council aims to create positive and lasting change by valuing the opinions of young people. The Council will contribute to current and future projects. This means having the Council help in the development of key projects through planning, design, and purpose. NAPCAN has many programs for students and the community that are constantly being updated. Content analysis, review and feedback will also be a part of the Youth Council. It is important to us at NAPCAN to have your opinion included in these changes. Most importantly, we hope to achieve a sense of belonging and community amongst the Youth Advisory Council, and spark conversation and ideas. 

What Are We Looking For?

We are seeking:

• Young people aged 13-25 from diverse backgrounds across Australia
• Young people who are interested in respectful relationship education and consent
• Young people who want to contribute to positive change projects
• Young people who can commit to a 1 year term with NAPCAN (with possibility to extend)
• Young people willing to be flexible around fortnightly to monthly meetings

Who Are We?

NAPCAN is a national organisation dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of Australia’s children and young people. We differ from most organisations working in the field of child abuse and neglect, in that we are primarily focused on PREVENTION. NAPCAN runs many programs within communities and schools across Australia that deliver Respectful Relationship, consent and child safety education.

NAPCAN is full of driven and passionate staff and works with all levels of government, businesses, community services and organisations, families and individuals for the betterment of children and young people in our shared community. To find out more about NAPCAN, our programs and achievements you can visit our website- https://www.napcan.org.au/

Frequency of Meetings?

• The first meeting will be a full day meeting, held in person at the beginning of October (DATE TBD). This will occur on Gadigal Land in Sydney, NSW at the Australian Human Rights Commissioners Office. (Travel cost covered by NAPCAN)
• Following the first meeting, online meetings will occur for 2.5 hours a month, with possibility to change to fortnightly depending on development of projects. The set days and times for online meetings will be decided by group members in advance. 
• As previously mentioned, it is assumed that you’re signing up to a 1 year term with NAPCANs Youth Advisory Council. 

Benefits?

Payment

• Participants receive $28.95/hour, with travel costs covered when face-to-face meetings are necessary.

Support

• There will be support staff, help resources and referrals available for members if they need. This support will be extended to all members. 
• A sense of community and friendship with other members and staff involved with the council.

Knowledge and Skills

• Through joining this Council, members will expand their knowledge and promote discussions and change around respect, healthy relationships, unconscious biases, and consent. Members will also develop valuable and life-long leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Certificate and Connections

• Members will receive a certificate recognising their contribution and involvement of the Youth Advisory Council and may also receive a form of reference upon request. 
• Members will gain multiple new connections to other passionate and like minded young people and influential people in the field through working alongside NAPCAN. 

What’s Required?

Members of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) are expected to:

• Take part in activities and discussions of the NAPCAN Youth Advisory Council. We’re keen to have members who are enthusiastic and passionate to be involved!
• Provide feedback on the development of projects and content to ensure it resonates with youth as a whole.
• Commit to a minimum of 1 meeting a month, subject to change to fortnightly meetings as projects develop.
• Have access to a computer and internet for online meetings. 
• Have access to Zoom.
• A drive for creating a safer and healthier community for all.
• Have a respectful attitude towards all.

*Previous committee experience is not necessary.

How Can I Apply?

Applications for NAPCAN’s Youth Advisory Council close on the Friday 19th of August 2022 at https://form.jotform.com/222008629186053. Please answer the questions through a video, in a song, written form, or however you feel most comfortable.

*Note, there are limited positions available, which are selected in accordance with the criteria and application. If you do not meet this criteria there may be future opportunities to apply for other Youth Advisory Councils for NAPCAN or you may contact us. Contact: oliver.white@napcan.org.au for more information regarding the application process or to be notified about future opportunities if they arise. 

NAPCAN acknowledges that this was written on the land of the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, the traditional custodians of the land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.