Leadership and advocacy: Taking action
The second installment of the Leadership and advocacy series includes six videos showcasing members of parliament as they share their leadership journeys, how they engage with young people and advice for the next generation of leaders in Victoria.
Video 1, Meet Victorian MPs, introduces the five members of parliament featured in the series and explores their personal leadership journeys, along with their current roles and responsibilities in the parliament.
In video 2, Why young people should take on advocacy roles, MPs share why they believe it’s important for young people to speak up and how their unique experiences and perspectives can help shape better, fairer and more inclusive decision making in their communities.
Video 3, Engaging with young people, highlights the value of listening to young people’s voices when it comes to making decisions about the future and how MPS connect and work with young people.
In video 4, How young people can prepare for a meeting, MPs give advice on how to walk into a meeting with confidence, including the best ways to prepare, finding common ground and listening to different perspectives.
Video 5, How young people can gain more leadership experience, considers the different ways that young people can grow as leaders through actions such as setting goals, volunteering and taking steps into new experiences.
In the final video, Advice for young leaders, MPs reflect on what they’ve learnt about leadership and offer encouragement to young people, reminding them to believe in themselves, stay true to their values and put their hand up and give it a go.
Meet Victorian MPs
Reflection questions
- The MPs describe leadership as a journey. Why do you think they have used the word 'journey'? What steps might be part of that journey?
- Why is it important to stay open to learning and growing as a leader over time?
- Why might the ability to work with others (including people with different opinions) be an important skill for leaders?
Why young people should take on advocacy roles
Reflection questions
- Why do you think life experiences can shape the way people see issues or make decisions?
- What unique perspectives or experiences do young people bring to discussions about laws, policies or community issues?
- In what ways can you put your hand up and get involved in your community or school
- How could more youth involvement lead to better or fairer decisions in your school, community or State?
Engaging with young people
Reflection questions
- What are some benefits for communities when leaders listen to young voices?
- What are some steps you could take to have your voice heard on an issue that matters to you?
- What are some challenges young people face when trying to advocate for change?
- What strategies or support might help young people overcome barriers to advocacy?
How young people can prepare for a meeting
Reflection questions
- What kind of material or information could you bring to a meeting to feel more prepared and make a strong impact?
- How can finding a shared goal or common ground help you have a more productive conversation?
- Why is it important to walk into a meeting knowing that your voice matters? How can you remind yourself of that beforehand?
- What are some good ways to show you’re listening and open to ideas during a meeting – even if you disagree?
How young people can gain more leadership experience
Reflection questions
- How can volunteering or getting involved in your community help you build leadership experience?
- How could you use your strengths or interests to take on a leadership role, even in a small way?
- How can you manage feelings of self-doubt when taking on leadership roles or new challenges?
- What is one leadership goal you could set yourself this year?
Advice for young leaders
Reflection questions
- How do you usually support others or stand up for what you believe in, and how is that connected to leadership?
- Looking back on your life so far, what advice would you give to your younger self about leadership or confidence?
- What kind of a leader do you hope to be, and what makes that kind of leadership important in today’s world?
- Why do you think so many MPs mentioned believing in yourself as an important part of being a leader?