Blog
As a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member, my role is to represent young people, serving as a bridge between young individuals and the organisations that shape policies and legislation affecting their lives.
I represent the diverse voices of youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to know that their voices are not only heard but are essential to developing effective solutions. My responsibilities include actively listening to the concerns, ideas, and aspirations of young people and working to help prevent them from being involved in violence.
I bring forward their voices, ideas, and concerns to help shape decisions that directly impact their lives, passing these insights to the YEF. I advocate for policies and initiatives that prevent young people from becoming involved in violence by identifying the root causes of this issue. These causes are often related to systemic problems and a lack of support for young people which I communicate with the YEF. My role is also to create opportunities for young people to be valued, to give them a fair chance to share their perspectives, and to ensure that their needs are recognised and considered in decisions that affect them.
The impact of representing young people’s perspective
As a young person, representing the perspectives of other young people is an incredible opportunity and a profound privilege. It allows me to amplify the voices of those who may not always feel heard and to bring forward ideas that reflect the real needs and aspirations of my generation. Ultimately, laws, policies, and regulations will impact children and young people the most, as we are the ones who will live with the outcomes and will shape our future. By representing their voices, I can advocate for meaningful changes that address current issues and lay the foundation for a better future. This role empowers me to contribute actively to a world where young people’s perspectives are valued, and their potential is fully recognised. I do this by advocating for young people from marginalised communities who face significant barriers to participation and whose voices are often overlooked or underrepresented. Decisions should be made with a full understanding of the diverse reality that young people face and can be done through elevating young people’s experiences and challenges.
Why young people’s involvement in decision-making matters
Young people’s involvement in decision-making is important because they bring innovative ideas and unique perspectives to issues that impact them directly. As the ones who will inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions, their voices are essential in shaping solutions that address their wants and needs. Involving young people in these processes promotes engagement and empowers them by providing a space where they can share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This inclusion not only helps make decisions more representative but also strengthens trust between young people and institutions, fostering a sense of respect and collaboration that drives more positive, lasting change.
