Young people have recognised and demonstrated that they propel and instigate movements. Young people are no longer the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. This is visible and true for Amnesty International Australia’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG).
Chair & Queensland / Northern New South Wales YAG Representative
Why Amnesty:
Amnesty has consistently played a role in shaping my understanding of how injustices across the world continue to affect not only individuals but our society as a whole. Without their ongoing influence, in parallel with the work of all their volunteers, many individuals and groups would not be given the opportunity to fight for equality and justice.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
My time spent volunteering internationally has provided me the opportunity to recognise the power and strength of youth activism and its ability to fight for injustices. With this in mind, becoming a YAG representative gives me not only a platform to continue the fight for equal rights, but additionally inspire the next generation of activists to recognise their own abilities and power.
Why is youth activism important?
In the current climate where many adults have felt despair, it has been young people who have continually risen to the challenge by speaking on behalf of the future generation. By advocating at protests and using the power of social media to promote a wide range of injustices, the youth have shown that it is imperative that young people have a say in issues that we have traditionally been excluded from. With about 13% of the total Australian population aged 15-24, we have the opportunity to use our voices to change the future of human rights.
Amnesty has always been at the forefront of human rights. The organisation is full of activists and thought-leaders that actively engage in the most pressing issues of our time, seeking to hold those with power accountable when they abuse it. I want to be a part of that.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
Young people must play an active role in the future of human rights protection. For that to happen we need to assume key roles in governance, just like this position. I’m excited to work with the YAG to empower youth, encourage their engagement and ensure that young voices are heard.
Why is youth activism important?
Young people’s perspectives are often ignored because we’re deemed ‘inexperienced’, ‘ignorant’, ‘unrealistic’ and ‘too aspirational’. But we have important contributions to make, both as rights holders and as allies.
NSW School’s Network Outreach Team member 2018-2020 NSW School’s Team coordinator 2020-2021
Why Amnesty:
I wanted to get involved with Amnesty because it is such a leader in defending human rights around the world. It is important to me to be active in trying to challenge injustices and hold those in power accountable for the protection of human rights, and Amnesty really embodies my political and social beliefs. Amnesty is also full of passionate activists that motivate me to keep getting involved in causes that I believe in!
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
As a YAG representative I hope to pursue projects that I was unable to do in my previous roles, and to understand more about Amnesty as a whole organisation. Getting young people involved in human rights issues is vital to ensuring that each generation is more equal and enjoys greater freedoms. I am very honoured to represent NSW and help to voice the concerns of young people in my state, as well as exploring how I can contribute to meaningful programs and projects that I am passionate about!
Why is youth activism important?
Youth activism is important so that the fight for human rights for all does not end. We need to continually hold leaders accountable and raise awareness about injustices that occur. Standing up for human rights is not a one-time job, and needs constant and continuing effort to ensure that progress is made. This means getting more young people involved, and listening to their concerns so that the challenges faced by younger generations can be addressed.
Something quirky about yourself!
I saw a tattoo on my rescue cat that I assumed was her (unique) ID tag, so I got it tattooed on me too. I found out almost immediately that it was actually just a very common symbol to show she had been de-sexed.
Queensland/Northern New South Wales YAG Representative
Why Amnesty:
Amnesty has consistently, unwaveringly, been the first to call out injustice, and keep the course until change has been achieved, no matter dips in public or political interest. Amnesty Australia was one of the first, if not the first, to rally against conversion therapy practices, and were a large part of why we have a prohibition on these practices in many states in Australia.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
Being a YAG representative means legacy. How can we bring affected communities to the forefront of issues, and leave a legacy greater than what was left to us. It moves away from consultation, towards deep engagement and enabling young people to co-design our futures.
Why is youth activism important?
My experience in youth activism, particularly youth social entrepreneurship, has cemented the leading role of young people in changing the world around us. We are affected in unique ways, even more so when considering the nexus of intersectionality, but our unique solutions are not accounted for often enough. Youth activism in systems change allows us to redraw the lines in a way that our affected communities need and decide.
Something quirky about yourself!
When I was born, my middle name was Mousetrap (since changed – thanks Mum!).
Queensland/Northern New South Wales YAG Representative
Why Amnesty:
I believe Amnesty to be the foremost non-profit Humanitarian organization in the world and I am glad to be a part of it.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
Being a YAG Representative means making sure that young people are adequately represented within the Amnesty structure.
Why is youth activism important?
Youth activism is so important as it provides young people with a voice about things they are passionate about, in addition to providing them with an avenue through which they can make change happen.
Many critics cite that human rights are a mere idealistic aspiration, lacking the legal rigour and effectiveness to stir change on a global scale. Amnesty stands as a testament to the inaccuracy of this claim. Over half a century of activism, the organisation has fought to abolish the death penalty in hundreds of countries, succeeded in campaigning for women’s rights, and advocating on behalf of minority communities. As we face great inertia when lobbying for change, I want to lend my voice and join Amnesty’s movement in striving for a fairer, greener and better Australia.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
To be a YAG representative means to engage more young Australians in Amnesty’s mission, recognising the fresh perspectives and valuable ideas they bring to the table. With my experience working in a range of non-for-profit organisations and charities (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Radical Centre Reform Lab, Shine Connections, Regional Education Support Network), I hope to collaborate with my fellow Youth Advisory Group members in developing a strategy on how we can mobilise the passion, creative energies and commitment of youth around the nation.
Why is youth activism important?
‘Youth activism’ is defined as the activities pre-teens, teenagers and young adults engage in, with the purpose of seeking social change through campaigning. Not only does it spread awareness about topical issues within local communities, youth activism allows for Australia’s future leaders to play an active role in shaping the future they want to see. Youth activism is also a unifying force, allowing young Australians to cooperate and systematically advocate for change while capturing the attention of lawmakers, politicians, and others in power.
Something quirky about yourself!
Before commencing my law degree, I contemplated pursuing a career in astrophysics. Currently, I remain actively involved in the space industry – most recently by co-authoring a whitepaper on the environmental benefits of satellite Earth observation (Astra Program), participating in the Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA) space-themed Future Leaders Series, and receiving the highly prestigious Young Australian Space Leader (YASL) Award.
Amnesty plays such an important role in empowering people to stand up for what is right, even when harmful policies and systems are built against them. Amnesty supports and champions activists who are not afraid to fight for change and in doing so creates a safer space for change to occur, towards a future where human rights are enjoyed by all. I am so excited to be a part of this movement!
What does it mean to be a YAG Representative?
YAG represents the voice of young people across Australia. By putting youth at the center of discussions, we are acknowledging the important role they play in shaping our future for the better. Being a YAG Representative means using this platform to generate change driven by youth and encapsulating the drive, commitment and resilience of youth at the same time.
Why is youth activism important?
Young people deserve a seat at the table when making important decisions regarding the state of our future. When young people identify the steps that need to be taken, mobilise other youth to join in and channel the drive that is so prevalent within our generation, the potential impact is unmatched!
Something quirky about yourself!
I’m a pro at code switching due to my international heritage – Australian, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Caribbean and American!
Australian Capital Territory / Southern New South Wales YAG Representative
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty has such a strong reputation as a defender of human rights and plays such a big role in challenging injustices. Being a part of advancing human rights and building people power is something that really excites me.
What does it mean to be a YAG Representative?
Being a YAG representative means ensuring that young people’s voices are heard and amplified. It means that Amnesty can take an informed, inclusive and intersectional view based on young people’s experiences and passions.
Why is youth activism important?
Youth activism is important because young people deserve to shape the future that they are going to live in. Young people can really enact change and need to be given opportunities to realise their potential.
South Australia / Northern Territory YAG Representative
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty was one of the very first activist organisations I was exposed to as a young person, and the Amnesty chapter on my university campus was my first direct involvement in an NGO. This beginning has since inspired me to get involved with a vast array of charities and NGOs, including Foodbank, Oaktree Foundation, Lentara Uniting Asylum Seekers Project, Australian Volunteers International and the World Economic Forum Global Shapers, among others. Amnesty embodies the ethics and values that I hold dear and isn’t afraid to stand up to powerful interests where human rights are concerned. Through its digital campaigns it enables people to save, advocate for and change the lives of others around the globe simply through a click, demonstrating that activism can be for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Amnesty represents a formidable, long-standing and enduring voice for the vulnerable.
What does it mean to be a YAG Representative?
I truly believe that Amnesty International is one of the largest and loudest stakeholders in the human rights sphere, and am so proud to be a part of this collective. As a Youth Group Representative I have the honour and opportunity to ensure that young people have an input into the organisation’s campaigns, strategies, visions and projects. I have the opportunity to utilise and build on my previous experiences in the not-for-profit sector in a way that will work to advance human rights, build people power and do so sustainably. Putting energy into the right organisations is key to effective advocacy, and Amnesty is ensuring that the unique energy, passion and innovations of young people is harnessed through its Youth Advisory Group and Youth Leaders initiatives.
Why is youth activism important?
Youth are the future, and yet underrepresented in global issues, political decision-making and future planning. There are thousands of youth-created and led organisations today that prove we are hungry to contribute and filled with ideas, and if given the platform and opportunity have some very valuable and intelligent ideas to bring to the table. Until a place is set for us we must be willing to show up ourselves, sometimes without an invite, and this is the utility of youth activism. Importantly, youth activism must be diverse- representating a variety of voices, experiences, sexual orientations, gender identities, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Something quirky about yourself!
I grew up in Hong Kong and apparently spoke Cantonese pretty well as a child! Unfortunately my parents stopped my lessons when we moved to Australia and now all I can do is count to 10.
South Australia / Northern Territory YAG Representative
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty’s values align with mine, but greater than this, I feel that the organisation achieves real world solutions to real world problems through its movements and initiatives. Being able to actively fight against injustice on such a platform is a great driver in reaching universal human rights implementation.
What does it mean to be a YAG Representative?
Responsibly representing youth nationwide and addressing their key concerns. I feel so grateful to be in a position where we can use our voices to collaborate, speak out and create to promote the furthering of equality and human rights protection.
Why is youth activism important?
The youth bring along with them a very unique perspective, with our generation being the most diverse to ever exist. Activism amongst this group ensures our future considers the importance of many, varied experiences and thus makes our global community a brighter, more supportive one.
Something quirky about yourself!
I love tea! (I have a special side of my room dedicated to different flavours + teapots)!
Amnesty is a people powered movement, that finds basis on a vision of human rights being recognised and fought for regardless of the threats, limitations and boundaries. Everyone deserves human rights, and these rights should be protected. Amnesty fights for people, championing activists and using the power of people who care and are willing to fight for a cause.
What does it mean to be a YAG Representative?
Being a YAG representative means to represent, support and articulate the voice of young people across Australia, but for me particularly those in Western Australia. It is an honor to be a part of YAG and given the opportunity to be a part of a platform designed to generate real, lasting change with youth voice at the forefront.
Why is youth activism important?
Youth activism is important because it is what is generating real, sustainable change in our world today. No longer is it expected that youth are the leaders of tomorrow, instead we are the leaders of today. Youth have a responsibility to fight for the world we want to see tomorrow, and the world we want the generation after us to inherit.
Something quirky about yourself!
My friends and I loved the movie Mamma Mia so much that we decided to form a girl group, The Dynamos. We performed ABBA medleys, singing, dancing, costumes, the whole lot- Thankfully we only did one performance but it does live on video somewhere….
Amnesty has always been at the forefront of the human rights sphere, and I admire the broad range of issues that Amnesty seeks to tackle and bring awareness to. It is extremely fulfilling to be able to be involved with such a respected organisation and contribute in my own way to Amnesty’s goals of challenging injustice and creating change in the world.
What does it mean to be a YAG representative?
Being a YAG Representative means bringing to the table the variety of ideas, perspectives, and opinions that young people possess, whilst also recognising the diversity of young people. It is a great honour to be able to do this to mould the way that Amnesty operates to better include youth in its organisation and campaigns.
Why is Youth Activism important?
For far too long, young people have been actively silenced which has resulted in us bearing the consequences of decisions we have had no input in. However, this is no longer a feasible option, with young people becoming increasingly engaged with the issues that they see around them. Given the dire state of the world, young people’s idealism and out of the box thinking are necessities and youth activism forces decision makers to hear and acknowledge our voices.
Role at Amnesty: Regional Communications Rep – ACT/SNSW Region
Bio:
Hi there! I’m Saad Khalid – Regional Comms Rep for ACT/SNSW and a Member on the Activism Leadership Committee here. Passionate about issues pertaining to ethnic minorities and social recognition, my involvement in Amnesty is driven by motivation, and aspirations to influence the activism space around me.
Experience in media content creation + podcasting, alongside continual work in the community media space has netted me a National Award and a chance to travel ‘round Australia – speaking to people of all walks. Beyond which, you’ll find me in undergraduate studies at the Australian National University!
What have you learned about yourself while being a young activist? Is there anything you would change?
Being involved from Canberra, Australia’s political hotspot – there is always something going on. Learning in my Communications role is an ever growing process, I enjoy hearing from different perspectives, and working to strengthen our linkage + outreach has honed my skills.
As a young activist, I realise that we overlook so many issues in our media consumption when we can actually make a difference in policymakers’ thinking. My desire to be involved in community initiatives has exponentially increased, and you’ll see me out there in many of the campaigns that occur in the Nation’s capital!
I wouldn’t change anything, Amnesty is such an inspiring movement and I hope it continues to grow, as it has recently.
Why is the perspective of young people important to activism?
The youth of today will become the leaders of the future. Simple as that.
Our creative, novel, and out-of-box thinking is often overlooked as being amateur and undercooked. Nevertheless, with the rise of social media and digital media, we’ve been given a voice and a chance to be heard. Young people are just as passionate as anyone else and our involvement in activism is super important.
Amnesty International is a truly global phenomenon, more than a campaign or mission, more like a family that has really welcomed the input of youth (even seen on this Webpage!)
What is a quirky fact about yourself?
I’ve lived in all four corners of the world + the Middle East! Having changed ten schools in the 13 years of Education attained, one can think that I’m sick of change. Each and every opportunity has affected me (positively) in developing my persona and character, with which I operate today.
Role/s at Amnesty: Western Australian Schools Outreach Team Convenor, Western Australian Women’s Rights group convenor
Bio:
Through her role with the WA Schools Outreach Team Tara travels to high schools and engages with students in classrooms. She loves delving into discussions around current Amnesty cases and listening to students perspectives on current human rights issues affecting the world today. In 2020 Tara has also taken on the role of convenor of the WA Women’s Rights group. Alongside her Amnesty commitments, she is studying in her final year of Biomedical Science. Upon completing her degree she would like to work in the field of infectious disease. She has a particular interest in eradicating/ easing the burden of infectious diseases in developing countries where people do not have access to life-saving medicine.
What have you learned about yourself while being a young activist? Is there anything you would change?
As a young activist I’ve learnt a lot about my individual strengths and how I can utilise them to advance my activism. As a science student with no background in politics and human rights I always assumed I didn’t have enough experience or knowledge to speak out on issues. However, I’ve learnt that if you are passionate, dedicated and willing to learn, you can achieve a great deal. Youth activism through Amnesty has placed me in incredible environments and given me a first hand insight into how politics and governments operate. I have a broader view of the world and can combine my science background into the political sphere. I always thought I didn’t have enough experience or knowledge to be involved in presumptively adult dominated areas. I wish I became involved earlier!
Why is the perspective of young people important to activism?
Young people are the leaders of the future and powerful agents for change. In a time when many adults may feel despair, young people have risen up to the challenge by speaking up on behalf of future generations. We don’t represent someone else’s agenda, our message is direct and unvarnished. We are social media savvy which allows us to form connections across the world and have a variety of news/ information at our fingertips. Youth can also offer an alternative perspective on issues that adults aren’t privy to.
What is a quirky fact about yourself?
I work as a barista but absolutely hate the taste of coffee!
Role/s at Amnesty: NSW Schools Network Outreach Team Convenor and Co-Coordinator of the Youth Leadership Committee (YLC)
What inspires you to be a youth leader?
Providing a platform for students to not only voice their valuable opinions but to also seize the change they want to see in the world is a breathtaking experience. By being a youth coordinator, I am able to experience first-hand how our future leaders learn, grow and shine, which inspires me to do the same.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
Youth activism should be led by the people it affects the most, the youth themselves. By engaging with genuine and tangible participation, young people can instigate the change they want to see in the world, particularly on issues which affect them now and in the future. Instrumental change stems from empowering people to fight injustices with confidence and passion. This empowerment begins by having genuine participation options for young people.
Role/s at Amnesty: Co-Coordinator of the Youth Leadership Committee (YLC)
What inspires you to be a youth leader?
My previous high school journey in social justice and human rights has definitely influenced me in seeking youth leadership positions. But most importantly, the voices of students and their optimism to evoke change is so inspiring to witness. It shapes me as both a leader and an individual. I love being able to help kickstart students’ activism, while they help me maintain my overall passion for it.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
Young people are the future, and are also the change we wish to see in the world. Today’s generation of young people emits such power through voice and action – but they have to be given access to let such inspiration be seen as some spaces may be intimidating for them. Genuine participation options for young people allows for this momentum and unity to occur! YLC helps offer such a safe space for young people to mingle offers co-existence of fresh new opinions and objectives for world-wide change; and it would be great to see more organisations provide such a platform.
Role/s at Amnesty: Youth Facilitator for Youth Leadership Committee (YLC)
What inspires you to be a youth leader?
I love my role as a youth leader! This role is not only a chance for me to continue my journey in activism, but to also help young people start theirs. It’s so rewarding to make a difference on this small scale but ultimately to be making a difference around the world through advocating for global human rights.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
Activism is only effective and can only filter into the wider community if it is relatable and accessible. The opportunities provided to the students in YLC is a way for other like-minded young people to hear what they have to say and stand with them in the pursuit of justice and human rights for all. The snowball effect of youth participation in activism is phenomenal- we are already seeing results from YLC, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Role/s at Amnesty: Youth Facilitator for the Youth Leadership Committee (YLC)
What inspires you to be a youth leader?
I am inspired by the students and young people I get to work with. I have no doubt that being a young person today is incredibly hard and perhaps some of the toughest years of our life. Facilitating conversation, creating spaces for young people and working towards their goals inspires me to work harder towards my own goals and recognise that we do face many challenges, but with the right support network we can overcome them.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
Creating space for young people is so important to facilitate voice and change. In Australia, young people don’t have the right to democratically participate until they are 18, and so creating genuine participation options for them allows contribution to the community and society that they, by default, live in. This brings more activism and connections for the future for our young people, ones that evade elitism and discrimination.
Role/s at Amnesty: Youth Facilitator for the Youth Leadership Collective (YLC)
What inspires you to be a youth leader:
My involvement as a youth leader is undeniably a natural progression from earlier social justice projects carried out during high school. I’m now studying International Relations and Politics, which has stimulated my interest in applying diplomatic skills in the real world through youth leadership. I am driven to empower passionate youth to become advocates and representatives of the marginalised within society by raising their awareness of significant issues such as Women and Refugee rights. I have also witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by members of my immediate family and the wider community to integrate within Australia. This was a crucial stage in my own personal development and a stimulus to contribute to the betterment of the living conditions of persons suffering alienation and discrimination through effective representation.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
The many positive impacts of youth advocacy group initiatives are instituted to promote a new generation of socially aware young adults, who possess an empathic commitment and deeper understanding of the plight of those adversely impacted by society. It is of vital importance that the younger generations are intimately connected to mentors who will provide a role model and effective guidance into the challenging domain of responsible social activism. By doing so, these aspiring voices will reach relevant organisations and governmental bodies whose future policies may be restructured to resonate with the generative insights of the youth of today.
Throughout my time at school, I was inspired by youth leaders who were passionate about various topics and seeked to achieve real change. These leaders inspired me to become informed and continue these important discussions. I believe that being a youth leader and working with youth is a great privilege and opportunity to further explore important issues. Youth have a powerful voice within our community, and they inspire me to continue working to achieve change in our society.
Why is it important to have genuine participation options for young people?
The youth are motivated, excited and passionate about creating change. However, there are very few options for youth to channel this into active participation. This is vital to allow for the powerful voices of youth to be heard in our community and to translate their words into action. Having options for participation allows youth to be connected to mentors, new friends, and youth leaders who can all work together and support one another in achieving certain goals. A lot of the issues in our world seem too complicated to solve on our own, but, when working together in teams, we can make real progress, and that is why having options for young people is so important.
Role at Amnesty: Victorian Deputy Refugee Campaign Leader
Bio:
As the deputy regional campaign leader in Victoria, Annie is dedicated to promoting awareness for asylum seekers in her state and in the broader Australia, especially among the younger generation through events like the My New Neighbour Conversation Series. She firmly believes in the power of story-telling in evoking empathy and establishing bonds across time, culture, and places. In her spare time, Annie loves to travel and is always eager to learn more about different communities, countries, and people. Alongside her Amnesty commitments, Annie is a first-year student at Duke University, with an intended major in Public Policy on a pre-law track. She aspires to work in international law upon graduation.
Questions:
What have you learned about yourself while being a young activist? Is there anything you would change?
The main takeaway I learned as a young activist is to dream big and work diligently, resiliently, and confidently. As young people, we are often told that we are too naive, that our visions are not-of-the-mainstream and too idealistic, that we should follow the social norm instead of trying to revolutionise it–but please do not be defeated by these obstacles. In le Carré’s words, “[t]here was nothing dishonourable in not being blown about by every little modern wind. Better to have worth, to entrench, to be an oak of one’s own generation.”
I am very thankful for Amnesty, for the community encourages and supports everyone to put their ideas–even those eccentric, seemingly unrealistic ones–into action. If I could travel back in time, I would join Amnesty earlier.
Why is the perspective of young people important to activism?
Young people are the citizens of tomorrow: it is important for us to have a say in how we would like to shape our future.
What is a quirky fact about yourself?
My Pottermore patronus is a dragonfly (though I would much prefer it to be a dragon…).
“We are Amnesty International’s Youth Leadership Committee (YLC), a group of passionate young students aged 14-18 who engage in impactful work for Amnesty International and for humanitarian issues we are passionate about.”
The YLC undertake human rights projects, create activist resources for young people, organise conferences to connect young people and provide a youth lens to current Amnesty campaigns
Conference Team
Amogh: Leadership Committee stretches beyond activism; the organisation’s projects have ignited great change in my heart and mind. Despite becoming disconnected by lockdown, collaborating with passionate and committed individuals has enabled us to collectively direct our energy towards addressing global issues. We’ve come together during an incredibly hard time to work on an equally hard project, and we’ve not only become better activists, but better friends and leaders.
Youth Inclusion Team
Ammarah: The nature of the Amnesty Youth Leadership Committee’s global outreach allows us as teenage activists to reliably provide a youth lens to current amnesty campaigns, disseminating information to a vast international audience regarding injustices committed anywhere on the globe. If we can play the part of the smallest of cogs in the giant machine of efficacious advocacy to enlighten, inform and empower youth, we will undoubtedly be one step closer to achieving global justice!
Yaoyi: My primary role within the Amnesty YLC project is to host and produce a podcast alongside other students. The thing I love most about being a part of this project is the ability it has to allow me to open up conversations between passionate students in the hopes that our voices may one day inspire others to do the same.
As a human rights organisation, Amnesty International Australia is putting young people at the centre of our organisation and everything we do. This creates the space for young people to inform campaigns and build long term structures for genuine participation. We want to redefine what it means to be a young activist within the 21st century and seek to build a society and organisation which empowers youth to be at the forefront of our movement.
At the end of the day, young people are the future.
