Students explore leadership and advocacy

A Pathways and Possibilities Forum held in mid-July saw students participate in a day of career inspiration, future-focused learning and hands-on civics activities.

They explored how parliament works, debated big ideas in the chamber and discovered how their voices can shape the future. During a panel session they also heard about the many careers behind the scenes at parliament.

In June the Victorian Parliament’s community engagement team conducted a workshop for participants in the Zoos Victoria Youth Conservation Leaders program, which provides young leaders with skills development and involves them in projects that support conservation efforts for the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, which is Victoria’s animal emblem.

The workshop held at Parliament House looked at processes of decision-making and ways that young leaders can connect with parliament.

Young people have also been involved in the development of a leadership and advocacy video series that can be used in the classroom to explore ways in which students can show leadership and be active participants in their communities.

The video series includes youth advocates and various members of parliament who discuss their own leadership journeys. It was produced with support from the Department of Education under their Strategic Partnerships Program.

And in the months ahead scenario-based learning will be the focus of a new civics program, Victoria 2050, that uses parliamentary processes to enable students to consider the priorities for our state over the next two decades. That program is currently being piloted and will be made available later this year.

Find out more about parliament's civics programs and resources on the Teach and Learn page.