Student Leadership Program Presented by Port Phillip Youth Services -Catalina Vergara Youth Participation & Civic Engagement

Current policy Jo Commitments look similar and Framework is the same. However the difference is in the detail. Page 2

Aim of the Student Leadership Program What is the Student Leadership Program Aim of the Student Leadership Program The Student Leadership Program provides an opportunity for young people to make a difference to the local community through meaningful civic engagement. Young people challenge themselves as leaders and build their capacity and community connectedness while achieving important and valuable tasks within a team and for the community.  

What is the Student Leadership Program Outcomes Increase the number of young people engaged in youth leadership opportunities Increase the positive profile of young people from the CoPP Provide ‘a voice’ to young people on issues that are of importance to them Increase Councillors’ understanding and response to the issues, concerns and needs of young people from CoPP Participants build capacity and develop self-confidence and leadership skills. Young people are given opportunity to challenge themselves and become positive role models for their peers.

Program Overview Program Overview

SLP Highlights  Over 100 young leaders from eight schools participated in the Student Leadership Program.  Students participated in a Student Leadership Forum in June and then undertook a project on the topic of ‘Community Belonging’. This topic was informed by the Resilience Survey data from 2016.  

SLP Highlights  The calibre of the projects was outstanding and demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice. Projects included: Albert Park College held a ‘sleep out’ to raise awareness about homelessness and fundraised $3,500 for St Vinnies. MacRobertson Girls High School undertook a community awareness campaign focused on women’s empowerment across their school. St Kilda Primary School designed and distributed a series of postcards with positive messages to build community belonging. Students presented their projects to the Mayor and Councillors at Youth in Chamber. It was a well- attended by Councillors and gave a meaningful experience of civic engagement. Students asked prepared questions to the Councillors.  

School Projects    

Young People’s Feedback Coming together with other students to address community issues Meeting the Councillors and asking questions Opportunity to show leadership skills   “I liked the Mayor and Councillors giving feedback on our presentation.” “It was great presenting the projects in the actual Council Chambers and having almost all the Councillors present.” “I liked how involved we got with the community and how our project has really helped the lives of others.” “I like that we get to talk to other compassionate students about what we believe in.” “I love being able to share our ideas with the people who run Port Phillip.” “I liked how we got a chance to create a project with hardly any of the teacher’s help – we did it all by ourselves.”

What Young People Will Take Away Leadership and team work skills Desire to take action and make a difference   “Even though we are young we can still impact and help out others.” “You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.” “The determination to turn my thoughts into actions.” “I have taken away a lot of knowledge on multiple problems in the world, especially homelessness, I am definitely going to take part in more activities.” “I have learnt how to be confident and how to appreciate what I have.”

Memories from the program