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).
The YAG is a team of youth activist leaders who are committed to improving the participation of young people in our movement and working to develop new and inclusive approaches to activism for young people at AIA.
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.
Youth Activism is important to me, namely because the youth are the voices of the future. Many of the large policy based decisions being made now, fundamentally will have the greatest impact on future generations, so it is incongruent that youth do not participate in a collaborative development process. Youth Activism is so important to insert different and wide ranging perspective into social justice issues.
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty makes waves in advocating and protecting human rights about the globe on a wide range of issues. Importantly the approach taken is one of deliberative collaborative work, seeking insight from youth, and affected groups in developing their program and intervention.
Something quirky about yourself!
I toured with a music group internationally when I was 16 and 17 and I can speak Tetum and am learning French.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Youth Activism is important to me as I believe in the power of Young voices in shaping a better future for tomorrow; young people should be able to have our say and represent our communities on issues that impact us, and young people should be able to be involved in crafting solutions that benefit all.
Why Amnesty?
Amnesty International, to me, holds an incredible reputation for change and individual/community empowerment. I strive to create a net good in this world, and am proud to be apart of a team of likeminded individuals.
Something quirky about yourself!
Outside of my varied youth advocacy work (which I am blessed to call my profession) and my love of all things politics and history, I’m an avid traveller and love camping! I love being out on Country and sharing in the beauty and knowledge of this ancient world.
Youth activism holds great importance now more than ever. It showcases the incredible power of young people to spark and drive meaningful movements. Today’s youth are not just waiting for their chance to lead in the future – they are taking charge and making a difference right now.
Why Amnesty?
A transformative paradigm is palpably evident in the endeavours of groups like Amnesty International Australia’s YAG, where the dynamism, passion, and determination of young activists drive real-world change.
Something quirky about yourself!
Here’s something quirky about me – I have this habit of pressing and keeping flowers and leaves between the pages of my books. Each flower and leaf is a reminder of a special moment or a place I’ve been. Plus, I have a sweet tooth
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!
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!
I believe that people who are privileged in life should help those who are not as privileged. It is our duty as humans to look out for one another. We have to fight for our future as young people as we will be the ones living it.
Why Amnesty?
I believe that Amnesty is a promising organisation that positions itself well to help those dealing with human rights violations. Amnesty is very popular and well established within this space.
Something quirky about yourself!
I like to write poetry and I am allergic to the cold.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
