By Blessing Omosebi
On a nice cold morning, a friend brought my attention to an opportunity for young people interested in making the change we want to see in the world. The opportunity came with a brief questionnaire where we put why we are interested in the program and what we hope to get out of it. From there the Youth Civic Participation Program 2024 group came together.
We had people from different cultures, different races, differing opinions and in many ways different lives. Despite this we came together with the belief that change in our world is possible and we can and must have a role in the change we want to see. We had passion but didn’t know where to start. So we started with learning.
To make change in this world, in whatever way you believe is best, is to learn about the world that you are hoping for. The program allowed us to experience all three levels of government, which educated us in a remarkable way.
What we took away from the local council was how we could get into roles that will have the most personal effect on people’s lives. In terms of the state level politicians we learnt how changes can be made for the future, for us and the next generation, which is a bit of a contrast to local council.
Which brings us to the federal level, our trip to Canberra.
The first most notable thing about Canberra was its beauty and the extensive thought put into the layout and how it is built to facilitate politicians and policy making. Other things included watching the prime minister, Anthony Albanese and the leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton. For budding politicians like myself, it was pretty much like seeing celebrities at a concert.
We also met with senators whose mere existence meant change is possible and diversity is real and worth fighting for. While I don’t know the perfect road to becoming a senator, or dreaming big, or becoming a future Prime Minister, what I know is that it is possible and it starts with asking questions. It also includes seeking out information that will help you develop the skills and understanding needed to be a politician and to write policies. Also, on a side note, the food that we got in Canberra, was nothing less than remarkable and free.
What is important to note is that no matter where you are in your understanding of the world of politics and/or policy, you are the change you want to be.
One important question that was raised by a member in our group was ‘How can people get involved?’ The answer, while simple, is incredibly effective. TALK TO YOUR LOCAL POLITICIANS.
What is necessary to know is that your local politicians are elected to represent you. If you want to see change at the local level, look for politicians who represent your local area and send an email, make a call or visit them in their offices, which will be local to you.
So, with the local level sorted, the next step to seeing change on a wider scale is to approach MP’s chosen for your electorate. Other avenues include making petitions online which you can present to the MP’s. Another brilliant way is internships and/or local programs like this one!
Ultimately as a budding politician you need guidance and there are many opportunities for you to get that. Reaching out to local councils or an MP regarding an internship are brilliant ways to get experience in the life you want to build. Participating in programs like the one we are in is great too. The program ‘Youth Civic Participation Program’ runs yearly, so if you are interested get involved in the coming years.
The future is ours and thus it should be forged by what we want. Your voice truly does mean something. Whether you are like some in our group whispering, or others whose voices are a little louder, the difference between the two is education and confidence in yourself and the conviction to fight for the change you want to see in the world. You are our future, you are our voices and you are the change.
