from YAPRap April 2008
In last month's YAPRap we called on young people and youth services to help campaign for funding for AYAC, the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition. Some of you may not be aware of AYAC, so we thought we should present a quick outline of the organisation, drawn from the AYAC website.
AYAC is Australia's non-government youth affairs peak body. Officially launched in 2002, AYAC's formation is the result of several years of work by state and territory youth affairs peaks and a number of national youth sector organisations, following the wind-up of the previous peak body AYPAC in 1999.
AYAC aims:
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To provide a body broadly representative of the issues and interests of young people and the youth affairs field in Australia. To advocate for a united Australia which respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, promotes human rights, and provides justice for all.
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To represent the rights and interests of young people in Australia, at both a national and an international level.
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To promote the elimination of poverty and to promote the well-being of young Australians, with a particular focus on those who are disadvantaged.
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Recognising the diversity of Australian society, to promote the cultural, social, economic, political, environmental and spiritual interests and participation of young people in all aspects of society.
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To advocate for, assist with and support the development of policy positions on issues affecting young people and the youth affairs field, and to provide policy advice, perspectives and advocacy to Governments and the broader community.
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To facilitate co-ordination and co-operation within the youth affairs field.
AYAC is currently unfunded and has no paid staff. It is managed by an elected Executive Committee of volunteers. They are in the process of seeking funding so that it can provide a strong independent voice for young people and organisations that work with young people in Australia. AYAC is an incorporated association. A copy of the constitution can be downloaded (see below).
Structure
AYAC is governed by a National Representative Council, which can have up to 22 members and includes office bearers, one representative from each state and territory youth affairs peak, eight representatives from national youth organisations, two general members, one representative from an indigenous organisation and one representative from a CALD organisation. All members are elected at the annual general meeting. The members for 2007 - 2008 include:
- Independent Chairperson: Luke Bo'sher
- Young Spokesperson: Alan Wu
- General Member: Mitch Wall
- National Youth Organisation: Ken Ferdinands (Fusion Australia)
- National Youth Organisation: Alex Rafalowicz (United Nations Youth Association)
- Centre of Multicultural Youth Issues (Carmel Guerra)
- Australian Youth Research Centre (Ani Weiranga)
- Australian Clearing House for Youth Studies (Anne Hugo).
Each state and territory youth affairs peak has permanent membership of the National Representative Council, including YAPA (Rey Reodica).
An Executive Committee elected by the National Representative Council attends to the day to day operations of the organisation while it is unfunded.
Get involved with AYAC
If you'd like to be more involved, you can become an AYAC member. As a member-driven organisation, the breadth and diversity of the AYAC membership is a strong asset, and a tangible demonstration of the support and need for a strong, independent national youth peak.
Being a member also gives you the ability to vote at our AGM and nominate for a position on our National Representative Council and Executive. AYAC membership falls into two categories:
- National Members are state and territory youth peaks or national youth organisations (which are youth organisations operating in at least five states or territories).
- General Members include other youth organisations, networks, or individuals (including young people).
Each category costs $10 (incl. GST) per year. To join, download, complete and return the membership form (see below).
Become an AYAC Supporter
In recognition of AYAC's current funding and activity limitations, you're alternatively able to sign up to be a supporter of AYAC. While this doesn't give you the ability to vote at the AGM or nominate for a position on our National Representative Council or Executive, becoming an AYAC supporter is a free and effective way to demonstrate your support for AYAC's development into an active and independent national youth peak that provides ongoing policy research, analysis and advocacy on issues affecting young Australians.
To become an AYAC supporter, complete the online form (see below) and you will be added to our supporter database.
Campaign for funding
Currently AYAC is campaigning to gain funding from the new Federal Government. Find out more -
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Federal Labor Government promises for young people
www.yapa.org.au/youth/latest/promisesfederal.php
More information on AYAC
AYAC
PO Box 5232, LYNEHAM ACT 2602
ayac@ayac.org.au
(02) 6247 3540
- constitution PDF www.ayac.org.au/media/constitution.pdf
- membership form PDF www.ayac.org.au/media/membershipapplication.pdf
- supporter online form www.ayac.org.au/getinvolved
