Youth Activist alumni:
Where are they now?
To celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March, we caught up with a few of our incredible Youth Activist Series (YAS) alumni to find out what they’ve been up to since taking part in the program - from studying, to graduating, to continuing their youth advocacy work, we can’t wait to see what they do next!
Jazmin Wright
What have you been up to since the YAS program?
Since being part of YAS2021, I have graduated from my undergraduate degree and pursued opportunities in various youth international relations and foreign affairs organisations. Additionally, I have continued my activism work, with a particular focus on global health.
What year were you involved in the Youth Activist Series?
2021.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I really enjoyed having the opportunity to engage in different areas relating to young people, ranging from the importance of girls’ education, climate resilience, and online safety. It allowed me to explore the various challenges facing young people, which has rendered me a more passionate activist.
Which aspects of the training you received has been most valuable in your life and career since? How?
The media training was the most valuable part of the training I received as a Youth Activist. Being able to effectively communicate to various audiences has been a skill that I have used in almost every opportunity post-YAS, both in my personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to another young person wanting to become involved in youth advocacy and activism?
The advice I would give to a young person getting involved in youth activism is to become passionate about an issue and understand why you are interested in this. While it is easy to become jaded or discouraged during your activism journey, reminding yourself of what you are passionate about and your motivations for being an activist can make your activism journey easier.
Maya Ghassali
What year were you involved in the Youth Activist Series?
2020.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
There were a lot of aspects of the YAS that I enjoyed, but the media opportunities that we had access to particularly stand out. On International Women’s Day, we had the pleasure of featuring on many Australian news outlets, like the ABC and The Age. I loved getting to share a bit about my story and my passions with the Australian public, whilst raising awareness of the importance of gender equality at the same time.
What did you do after YAS and what are you doing now?
After YAS, I went on to work at the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the peak body for young people in the state. There, I advocate for young people’s rights and inclusion in the decision-making processes on the issues they care about. I also became more active in my university, joining clubs and social sports teams. I am now in my final semester of my Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, and hope to do more study and work overseas in the near future.
Which aspect of the training you received has been most valuable in your life and career since? How?
(Tbh I don’t remember too much about the training, it was 3 years ago haha) But I think at the end of one of the training days, we had a meaningful discussion with the CEO, Susanne, and it was so inspiring. She created such a safe and welcoming space to all the YAS, and she shared a lot about her life and her work, and even gave us book recommendations to check out. I loved listening to her!
Where do you see yourself in the future/what would you like to be doing?
I would love to continue on my activism journey at the Youth Affairs Council, as well as explore new sectors like the development sector and see where I can put my skills to use. I love learning about sustainability, economic development, and climate change, and would love to continue to study in any of the following fields.
What advice would you give to another young person wanting to become involved in youth advocacy and activism?
The one piece of advice is just to go for it. Put in your application, because you never know where it might take you. You might think to yourself that you don’t have enough experience to be an activist, but if your passion shines through, then that’s all that really matters. I saw the YAS application pop up on my Instagram. I submitted the application and didn’t really think anything would come from it, but it did and I got to meet like-minded people and push myself outside of my comfort zone, and you should too!
Olivia Causer
What year were you involved in the Youth Activist Series?
2021
What did you enjoy most about the program?
Meeting other YAS and collaborating on projects to further the movement for intersectional equality.
What did you do after YAS and what are you doing now?
When I was in the program, I was starting my first year of university. I’m still studying, but am now in my third year (which is wild..) of my degree (Bachelor Laws/Arts - Politics and International Relations; Global Development). I have remained involved with PLAN and the YAS program as an alumni, which continues to provide such incredible experiences and opportunities to further develop my skills and advocate for issues which I feel passionate. Also, I got a dog... his name is Spencer, and I am 100% a crazy dog mum.
Which aspect of the training you received has been most valuable in your life and career since? How?
Although the skills I gained during my time in the YAS program have proven invaluable across all aspects of my life, it was the immense increase in my confidence in those skills that I am the most grateful for. PLAN facilitates such a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring within the YAS program, and truly fosters the growth of each individual to become the best version of themselves.
Where do you see yourself in the future/what would you like to be doing?
Though I’m not completely certain what I will end up pursuing, I would like to think it will involve activism, advocating for individuals within the legal realm, and contributing to the greater movement of human rights protection.
What advice would you give to another young person wanting to become involved in youth advocacy and activism?
Just jump in! It can be daunting at first but there is no better time than now. There is no ‘right’ way to be involved in the youth advocacy and activism space - staying informed and educating yourself on issues you are passionate about, connecting with like minded people, and discovering your own strengths as an activist are just three things to help guide you… but don’t over complicate it! Trust your gut, follow your instincts, and take care of yourself <3
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