The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is calling on Young Australians to apply for the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Youth Engagement Steering Committee.

The AYF is an Australian Government initiative that provides ongoing communication and engagement between the Government, young people and the youth sector. The AYF provides young people with opportunities to be actively involved in the decision-making processes of Government.

The Steering Committee is made up of eleven young people, who advise the Government on the ongoing development of the AYF and specific AYF activities and events.

Young Australians aged 15-24 years are invited to nominate for the Steering Committee. Applications can be made on an individual basis or as a representative of a youth-led organisation.

Convenor for the inaugural Australian Youth Forum Youth Engagement Steering Committee and National President of the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA), Ms Alice Bleby said the Steering Committee was a great opportunity for young Australians.

“Being an AYF Steering Committee member is a fantastic opportunity to influence the way the Australian Government engages with young people. It reflects that young people have a significant role to play in the democratic process and reinforces the importance of our ideas and suggestions.”

“I would encourage all young Australians who are passionate about youth issues and who have innovative ideas about how best to engage young people to apply.”

Applications close at midnight, Friday 2 October 2009 (AEST).

Further information about the Youth Engagement Steering Committee and the application package can be obtained:

Website: http://www.youth.gov.au/ayf/pages/steeringCommittee.htm
Email: ayf@deewr.gov.au
Phone: 02 6240 5679 (9am to 5pm AEST weekdays)

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS CONFERENCE

  October 12-14 Tweed Heads NSW

Call for Abstracts: 

 We are looking for a range of contributions under the various streams that willshow examples of practice, policy and research to inspire and engage with services and workers who work with young people at risk of – or – experiencing homelessness.

  Abstract Guidelines

•         Abstracts for papers, workshops and posters should be a maximum of 250 words.
•         Abstracts should provide an outline of content and include a statement outlining the aims of the presentation.

 Closing Date for Abstracts

•          Abstracts must be received no later than 5pm, on the 31st August 2009 by mail / fax / email to “YAA Conference Committee” PO Box 3115 Redfern 2016 NSW, or (02) 9318 2058 or michael@yaa.com.au

 General Guidelines and Conditions

•          Presenters will be advised in writing regarding the acceptance or otherwise of their proposal.
•          All presenters must register for at least one day of the conference.
•          Papers must be presented by the authors.
•          Accepted abstracts may be produced by the YAA either the web or through Undercurrent

 Proposed conference streams:

 Stream 1 - Organizational/Sector Development

How do originations manage change, remain relevant and dynamic, and become sustainable and responsive to the needs of young homeless people?

Stream 2 - Research & its practical application

Considering the research and evidence base of young people who are homeless or at risk and how it can be applied practically.

Stream 3 - Effective Interventions

Showcase of effective interventions, theoretical underpinnings, what interventions are successful in working with young people and demonstrate positive outcomes ?

Stream 4 - Voices of Young People

How do we incorporate the experience and stories of young people, into our practice and service models? How do we engage young people who experience homelessness?

Stream 5 - The Road Home Towards 2020

Implementing the White Paper, where are we? Where are we going? What does it mean for young people? Making the most out of “White Paper” opportunities.