Youth Advisory Group

Introduction to the Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

We are thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for students in Years 9 to 11 to become part of Ardoch’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – a platform where young minds can make a real impact!

Ardoch is dedicated to empowering youth voices and fostering a sense of community engagement. We believe that young people can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. By joining our YAG, you will have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects, share your insights, and collaborate with like-minded peers.

Perks of being in the YAG

– Influence positive change: You will actively participate in discussions on initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on their community and beyond.
– Skill development: This platform provides an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
– Networking opportunities: Interact with fellow young people and professionals in your communities, gaining valuable insights and expanding personal and professional networks.

Remuneration for participation

You will receive a monthly stipend of $100 a month as recognition for your valuable contributions and sustained engagement throughout the program (April to November).

The YAG’s first year

In 2023, in its first year of uniting passionate young people, the YAG was able to advise Ardoch on several programs and policies, including:

– Ardoch 2023-2027 Strategy & organisational values
– Priority areas for future youth engagement at Ardoch
– Updating of key documents and program resources
– Hiring of Ardoch’s Youth Engagement Officer
– And much more!

The YAG members also demonstrated a growth in leadership, with members taking initiative to take on key roles in committee meetings and leading their end-of-year celebratory event.

Application process

We welcome enthusiastic individuals to apply for a unique opportunity to join Ardoch’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and contribute to meaningful community initiatives. Here’s a rough timeline on the application process:

– Application submission: Interested students in Years 9 to 11 are invited to fill out the YAG application form (below) by Monday, March 18^th at 10:00 am.
– Interview invitations: You will be invited to participate in an interview to discuss your suitability for the YAG and answer any questions you may have.
– Announcement of YAG members: We aim to announce the selected members of the Youth Advisory Group by March 22^nd.

Once the selection has been finalised, YAG members will be invited to the following induction events:

– Online Induction Program – Thursday 4^th April
– In-Person Induction Program at Ardoch’s Queen St. Office – Thursday 11^th April.

This application process is designed to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of each candidate’s potential contributions to Ardoch’s Youth Advisory Group. We appreciate your interest and look forward to receiving your applications.

For any inquiries or additional information, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

Application Form

Applications are now closed. If you would like to reach out to us please contact us at [email protected].

FAQs

What is Ardoch?

A: Ardoch is a children’s education charity focused on improving educational outcomes for children and young people in disadvantaged communities. We are driven to maximise educational participation, so every young person can achieve their full potential. We do this through providing programs in literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Wellbeing and more. You can find out more about Ardoch through the About Ardoch page.

What is the Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

A: The YAG is a dynamic group of students who actively share ideas and collaborate with like-minded peers to make a positive impact. As a member of the YAG, you will advise Ardoch on our programs and policies, and also have a chance to plan Youth Forums for your community.

Who is eligible to apply for the YAG?

A: Students in Years 9 to 11 from Ardoch partner schools are eligible to apply. There are no academic requirements for this opportunity, we are just looking for passionate young people!

How much time is required for YAG participation?

A: The planned involvement is approximately 40 hours, spread across various activities and events throughout the year.

Here’s a brief schedule for the YAG:
– Two full-day sessions at Ardoch’s Queen St. Office during the Term 1 and Term 2 holidays (4 days total)
– In between our full day sessions, we will have 1 or 2 online and local in-person meetings.
This could look like attending around 5 hours’ worth of events each month.

What kind of activities and events can YAG members expect to participate in?

A: YAG members engage in a mix of in-person and online full-committee meetings, local meetings, Youth Forums designed and led by the YAG, and other leadership development opportunities.

Is there any financial support for YAG members?

A: Yes. YAG members will be offered a stipend of $100 per month (through Visa gift cards) for the duration of their involvement in the program to assist with participation costs and recognise the value of their time and perspectives. Ardoch values the YAG members’ dedication, demonstrated through their consistent attendance at events and active participation.

How long is the YAG program?

A: The duration of participation in the YAG is eight months, from April to November.

What are the key benefits of being part of Ardoch's YAG?

A: YAG members can influence positive change, develop essential leadership skills, and access valuable networking opportunities with peers from different schools and professionals in various fields.

Are there any academic requirements to be part of the YAG?

A: No, there are no academic requirements. Ardoch is looking for students with an interest in youth empowerment and a passion for making a difference in their communities.

How can I express interest in joining the YAG?

A: Interested students can apply using the above form by Tuesday March 5^th, at 10:00 am

How can I balance YAG commitments with my academic and other extracurricular activities?

A: YAG members are encouraged to manage their commitments effectively. Strategies for balancing time and maintaining commitment will be discussed during the induction process.