The Social Change Collective hosted a free online workshop, spread over two nights, as a crash course for young people looking to better understand the world of governance.The two sessions saw more than 40 participants join for presentations and discussions of the basics of youth governance, as well as a panel discussion with speakers Aaron Hape, Chlöe Swarbrick, Pru Etcheverry and Tamatha Paul.
In the first session SCC's Georgia Brown and Miranda Hitchings were joined by Rose Hiha-Agnew from Community Governance New Zealand to present on what youth governance is, why it is important and how SCC can help to connect people with potential positions and the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in them. They discussed the variety of board types that prospective board members may experience, the importance of diversity and upholding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and potential topics and expertise that may be relevant and needed on current boards.
In the second session of the workshop, panellists Chlöe Swarbrick, Member of Parliament for Auckland Central, Pru Etcheverry ONZM, Director of Advocacy Answers New Zealand and Tamatha Paul, Councillor Wellington City Council, Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward, facilitated by Aaron Hape, shared their experiences of governance role at community, local government and national levels.
After the session, over 85% of surveyed participants said they are planning to apply for a governance position in 2022, and many shared that they would be interested in future workshops on specific governance skills and knowledge.
Resources
Social Change Collective has collated a range of useful resources for those who wish to continue to grow their youth governance skills and knowledge.