Solid Voices of Tomorrow
QATSICPP is asking for our members support in identifying and reaching out to young people who might want to participate in an exciting new QATSICPP project called Solid Voices of Tomorrow.
The voices of First Nations children and young people are critical to ensuring services, peak bodies and service systems (including government) understand and are responsive to their needs and interests.
How can we as organisations encourage and facilitate children and young people to develop their confidence and skills in advocating for themselves, and as a group, in a culturally appropriate way?
QATSICPP is undertaking a project to help us answer that question. The project seeks to:
- identify how children’s and young people’s stories can be best heard and acted upon in identifying their needs, designing services to meet their needs, developing policies, evaluating services and initiatives, conducting research, and reforming service systems
- develop a resource to support our staff and our members in engaging children and young people to advocate for themselves and for others in these areas.
With children and young people, we are looking to establish a small group that are interested in identifying what would work best in engaging, resourcing and supporting them sharing their stories and their views at the organisational and systemic levels. We will work with them individually and as a group to get their input to developing the resource. They will be paid for their time and supported to attend a series of group sessions and a one-day face to face forum.
While the project and guide are focused on hearing the voices of children and young people now, it also has an eye to the future. This project is an opportunity to establish pathways for young people who are interested in supporting their community and becoming leaders into the future.
Applications for this project have now closed – stay tuned for updates on the project progress or contact Lucas Moore at QATSICPP, lucasmoore@qatsicpp.com.au or 3153 7785.
Information for young people
What is the project?
QATSICPP is looking for strong voices from youth in our communities across Queensland. We need your help to develop a guide for deadly workers at our organisations about how they can assist young people to have their voice heard and be involved in decisions that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities now and in the future.
- Are you between 16-25 years old?
- Do you identify as an Aboriginal /and Torres Strait Islander young person?
- Want to get paid for your time & voice?
- QATSICPP wants you to APPLY!!
We are looking for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people to help us make a guide for workers about the best ways supporting young to use their voice to make sure services and systems meet their needs. You do not need any previous experience to be part of the project, we just want to hear what you think!
Applications have closed.
When is the project and What would I be doing?
The project will happen between August 2021 and February 2022 and will involve you:
- Coming along to three group sessions with the QATSICPP Project team and the other young people doing the project – we will talk about our culture and ask you to share your knowledge about the best way for workers and organisations to hear your opinions. These group sessions will most likely happen via phone/Zoom/Facetime.
- Coming along in person to an all-day get together in Brisbane at the expense of QATSICPP, where we will yarn about important issues and be inspired by young leaders.
- You will be given the opportunity to be a part of the QATSICPP Members Conference held in 2022. Finish off the conference by attending QATSICPP Awards nights, a glamorous night honouring QATSICPP working members in our communities statewide.
What’s in it for me, my family and my community?
There are lots of positives to being involved in this project, including:
- a chance to develop your confidence and meet new people
- you are helping to make sure young people in communities get the help they need
- grow your skills as a young leader who can help people in your community
- all young people will be paid to recognise their time spent on the project.
- get some paid work through this project to help build up your resume.
Our commitment to support you to participate
While projects like this can have benefits for young people, their families and their communities, QATSICPP knows that sometimes participating in groups and discussions can be stressful, challenging and bring up a range of issues and feelings. If you are successfully in applying to be part of the project, QATSICPP will touch base with you regularly about how you are feeling and how we can help you to overcome any challenges. We are also committed to supporting young people to access other paid and voluntary opportunities after the end of the project, including the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP).
How will we ensure cultural safety for those involved?
QATSICPP is committed to making sure your cultural identity is respected and your cultural needs are met through the project. We want to create an environment that is culturally strong and supportive and responds to you and what you need. We are committed to offering you support and encouragement as you go and as you feel comfortable with. We will have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander QATSICPP staff working with and supporting you during the project and will link you with other cultural supports chosen by you.
