Engaging young people in the community is important and the Department of Communities (Communities) has developed useful resources, with direct input from young people, to encourage young people’s engagement within their communities, organisations and government.
The key aspects underpinning participation include young people having greater control over their lives, taking on valued roles, addressing issues that are relevant to them and influencing real outcomes, and ensuring that all young people are able to participate.
Youth Friendly Communities
A youth friendly community encompasses spaces, places, programs and initiatives that have been planned and developed with the dedicated input of young people.
Communities has developed 10 key principles designed to support the creation of inclusive and supportive environments for young people.
These principles serve as a framework to guide stakeholders, including community organisations, government agencies and youth advocates, in their efforts to foster youth friendly communities, strengthen collaboration and partnerships, and develop sustainable solutions to address the diverse needs of young people.
In addition, these principles offer strategic guidance on how stakeholders can engage and involve young people in the planning and decision-making processes that directly affect them, and create spaces, programs and initiatives that promote the active participation and empowerment of young Western Australians.
Youth Advisory Councils
A Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of young people that actively advises its local government and council on matters relating to young people. This may include youth events, activities and consultations on youth services and facilities.
YACs provide young people with the opportunity to:
- come together to generate ideas and make decisions about matters that affect young people
- learn about their local community
- engage with local governments on local matters, and
- meet new people, participate in activities and projects and develop funding applications.
If you would like to learn more about forming a YAC, please visit your local government’s website.
Youth Participation Kit
Communities has developed a series of publications for young people and organisations which provide advice on how to maximise young people’s input and contributions to community life.
Please visit our Youth Participation Kit information pages to download:
