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 🙁
Why is youth activism important to you?
Youth activism is vital to any social movement. Young people of today will be tomorrow’s politicians, lawyers, and policymakers, and it is essential that our perspectives are heard and championed so that we can step into a future desired by all.
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty International has never been afraid to call out global injustices and advocate for change. I’ve always admired Amnesty’s conviction in highlighting human rights abuses no matter where they occur or who they occur against. Amnesty International stands strong as an independent, non-profit organisation that puts people and their inalienable human rights first.
Something quirky about yourself!
I love K-Pop! I’m a big fan of SHINee, Red Velvet, and BTS in particular.
Why is youth activism important to you?
Youth activism holds great importance to me because it serves as a powerful vehicle for driving positive societal change. It offers a platform where I can passionately advocate for issues that resonate with my values and beliefs, contributing to the betterment of the community and the world at large. Through youth activism I believe can create long-lasting change that affects not only the present but also future generations.
Why Amnesty?
Similarly to Amnesty International, I strive to embody the values of justice, compassion, and solidarity for greater recognition of Human rights on an international scale. I am greatly inspired by Amensty’s dedication to defending human rights on a global scale resonates deeply with my belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Hence, by supporting Amnesty International, I feel empowered to be part of a larger movement striving for a more just and humane world.
Something quirky about yourself!
Something that is quirky about me is my laugh!
Why is youth activism important to you?
Youth have the potential to create sustainable change and they are the expert of their own expertise. Their voices, opinions, and actions are creating change everywhere around the world and they hold the energy and capability to shape, reform, and innovate ideas, policies, and systems.
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty is one the leading organizations around human’s rights advocacy, something that is very close to my heart and is a core focus of my advocacy. It gives us as members of the advisory board, heaps of potential to grow and learn further about global governance and leadership.
Something quirky about yourself!
I’m obsessed with sweets and chocolates.
Why is youth activism important to you?
Because young people are responsible for creating the world we want to live in!
Why Amnesty?
There is power in numbers, a strength in unity, and in an organisation with such a wholistic, inclusive, worldwide approach to social justice and human rights.
Something quirky about yourself!
Quirky or gross: can’t ever stop biting my damn fingernails!
Why is youth activism important to you?
I am deeply passionate about youth empowerment, youth activism and human rights because I firmly believe that every young person should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and lead a life of dignity and freedom. Youth empowerment and activism is crucial in creating a world where young individuals are active agents of change, contributing their unique perspectives and ideas to address global challenges.
Why Amnesty?
I am thankful to be part of Amnesty International’s Youth Advisory Group because it offers a powerful platform to advocate for human rights and empower youth globally. Amnesty International’s commitment to supporting the Youth Strategy aligns with my belief in the importance of youth engagement in shaping a better world. Being part of this important organisation enables me to to inspire positive change, raise awareness on critical issues, and work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
Something quirky about yourself!
I am part of the group that holds the world record for the World’s Longest Magic Show! The show was 85 hours, and I was one of the performers which helped set the record back in 2016!
Why is youth activism important to you?
The bridge between better outcomes for more people and issues in the world today is connected by the youth. I believe that the unique perspectives, experiences and shared understanding amongst young people is a crucial element in achieving humanitarian goals. It is these factors which can be applied to real life causes to create more brightness and light across the globe.
Why Amnesty?
I was looking for an organisation that promoted values of peace, compassion and change in a manner that actively involved people, and showed initiative to provide tangible solutions to difficult situations. This is the impact and ethos Amnesty represents, and the organisation is tireless in its efforts to achieve universality for human rights.
Something quirky about yourself!
I have a tea obsession, and a whole side of my room dedicated to precious teapots, mugs and other related items that are special to me!
Why is youth activism important to you?
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.
Why Amnesty?
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.
Something quirky about yourself!
I’m a big Eurovision fan!
Why is youth activism important to you?
When I was twelve, I started to see my classmates turn to illegal activity because there was simply no outlet for youth in my local area. I approached the “system” with no response. I pushed local government and was an inaugural member of a youth feedback summit and collaborator on a permanent youth centre that now engages young people through activities and training. Youth activism for me transformed my local community, is accessible to all and is IMPACTFUL – we can all make a difference.
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty is the world leader in social justice and advancing human rights, their wins are breaking barriers for the better. From raising climate change to the International Court of Justice and pushing action to recognise LGBTQI rights as human rights, I want to be part of the community movements inspiring change!
Something quirky about yourself!
The first book I ever read was a National Geographic encyclopaedia when I was in the US as a 3 year old. It sparked an (almost unhealthy) obsession with reading and I could basically quote Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in its entirety before I was eight!
Why is youth activism important to you?
I’m a Commerce & Law student with an entrepreneurial ethos and a zest for becoming the best person I can be. From my experience as a youth advocate, I have learnt much from the people and diverse communities I have interacted with. My awareness of the plight of disadvantaged communities and the increasing pressure on everyday citizens and young people as the cost of living rises has emboldened my criticism of Australia’s social infrastructure.
Youth activism speaks to this message to create a better future for an ever-changing world; At heart, I’m driven by my desire to equalise opportunity and justice for all Australians. I consider the greatest return to the opportunities I’ve had to give back to the world around me and make a difference for a better tomorrow. In pursuit of this goal, I am conscious of developments in social and political matters around the world and have been inspired by many young people who have been heralding human rights amidst uncertainty. Youth activism speaks to this message to create a better future for an ever-changing world.
Why Amnesty?
The diverse range of issues at local, national and international realms that Amnesty pioneers change in is commendable. It bears testament to the principle that every effort of change is meaningful and worthwhile. The community that Amnesty has created globally in activism efforts is also remarkable.
During high school, I was leader of my Amnesty International group and was enamored by the advocacy work of human rights activists all over the world. Their aspirations became mine and inspired me to persist with my personal social justice aspirations.
Something quirky about yourself!
I love birds! I have two pet budgies, Luna, and Valentine who keep me company at home.
Why is youth activism important to you?
As a young Sri Lankan, Australian woman of colour, my world has been influenced by subtle layers of citizenship, family, race and religion. This has been enhanced by my experience of growing up with a younger sister with a double disability, Down Syndrome and severe hearing impairment. My experiences compel me to platform young, intersectional voices. As such I am an advocate for women’s issues, particularly within marginalised, youth and neuro-diverse communities, I am the youngest person to sit on the Executive Board of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and a Youth Ambassador for Anti-Slavery Australia. In these roles I have been privileged to have the opportunity to curate resources and facilitate important conversations pertaining to important issues surrounding Australian identity, for youth communities.
Why Amnesty?
Given my work in the Domestic Violence Sector, I am inspired by the work Amnesty does, collaborating with governments across sectors – including health, education, the justice system, and other social services – and with partners in business, civil society and faith-based organizations to prevent and respond to violence, specifically against children and young people.
At national and local levels, Amnesty works to strengthen laws and policies to improve public service delivery for children and families in their homes, communities and schools – something crucial to mitigating violence and supporting victims of abuse. They also play a pivotal role in improving data availability and building evidence of violence towards children from intersectional communities. This results in awareness raising, in turn holds decision makers to account. I’m so excited to be a part of an organisation that facilitates work like this – necessary in creating a greater public consciousness about domestic violence towards youth from various communities.
Something quirky about yourself!
Less quirky, and more embarrassing – I got my L plates 826 days late so my friends threw me a party outside Service NSW.
First Nations peoples are the continuing custodians of the lands, waters and skies of this continent, of which sovereignty was never ceded.
We recognise the strength and intergenerational resilience of Elders, and honour the culture and wisdom that they have passed on to future generations.
We continue to fight for Indigenous Rights and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonisation and human rights abuses which disproportionately impact on First Nations peoples.
Always was, always will be.
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