MyQ Youth Council
The Multicultural Youth Queensland (MyQ) Council provides a platform for advocacy, leadership, and change for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Queensland. The Council brings together young people with diverse skills and knowledge to represent the needs of young people.
The Council has a membership base across Queensland that allows young people to be part of the Council.
Joining the MyQ Council
The leadership team is the overarching group that guides the activities throughout the year and prioritises the importance of issues in the sector. Members have an opportunity to join the leadership team as positions become available.
What’s involved in becoming a Member of Council?
Being a Youth Council Member is a great opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills. As a Youth Council member you will have the opportunity to:
- Facilitate (or provide opportunities) for young people from migrant and refugee background to raise their voice
- Create platforms where young people can inform the sector
- Provide expert advice on issues affecting migrant and refugee young people
- Attend regular Council meetings
- Attend special events as a representative of MyQ
- Further develop your leaderships skills
- Work with other young people on small, Youth Council-led projects
- Link into National Initiatives with MYAN Australia and other youth peak bodies
Butrus Haider (South Sudan, 26 years old)
1. Why are you passionate about youth leadership?
As someone who is young myself and work with other young people, I want to be that voice at the table. Advocate for young people and ensure they are heard and represented in issues that matter and impact them. I hope to inspire the next generation of young leaders.
2. Why did you join the council?
The MyQ Council provides a platform for advocacy. It’s also a platform for different leaders to engage with each other and find common issues that they are passionate about to work on together.
3. What are some of the things you have been able to do through the council?
Connect with other young leaders. Advocate for voices of youth with Government at the Parliament house. Deliver youth engagement events.
4. What change do you want to see for young people?
More opportunities provided to young people like employment in areas that influence change. Ensure that concerns are not just heard but actually actioned.
Assad Khalid (Afghanistan, 20 yrs old)
1. Why are you passionate about youth leadership?
I want to develop my abilities and skills in leadership and increase my confidence so you can help other young people, from not only my community but all young people.
2. Why did you join the council?
Council has provided a safe space for learning from each other and making friends, also creating opportunities for each other. There is no judgement in the Council, doesn’t matter skin colour, religion, everyone’s view is important.
3. What are some of the things you have been able to do through the council?
Getting to know different community groups and getting involved in whole community events. It has increased my confidence as a shy person, now I feel I can speak up more about issues and speak on behalf of your community.
4. What change do you want to see for young people?
I want all young people to be open minded and not judge people. We need to stand up to stop racism and increase more equity for all young people.
Racheal Kirabo (Uganda, 23 yrs old)
1. Why are you passionate about youth leadership?
I am passionate about youth as it is a proper platform to advocate and support young people to be part of a greater positive and inclusive community for a brighter future.
2. Why did you join the council?
I joined the Council to fulfil my desire to be part of a big family who are passionate about youth matters and voices
3. What are some of the things you have been able to do through the council?
I have been able to advocate for other young people in my community through finding employment, discussing the issues that matter to them and sharing my personal experience through storytelling to young people and service providers who choose to listen and learn through my experience
4. What change do you want to see for young people?
I would want to see more young people involved in decisions making in matters that effect all society. Socially, economically and wellbeing.
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