Next week we will be launching a discussion paper, ‘Is the tide turning?’, which seeks to reimagine a youth work freed from the shackles of neoliberal dogma. Looking ahead we hope to organise a number of regional meetings to coincide with the National Youth Agency’s Youth Work Week, the theme of which is ‘Youth Services: youth work for today and tomorrow’.
Meanwhile, across the oceans in Australia, the Youth Affairs Council Victoria is staging a major conference, grappling with much the same questions and dilemmas.
18 – 20 October 2017
The Pullman Hotel, East Melbourne
Front + Centre will bring together youth workers from community, government and for-purpose agencies to shape the future of the youth sector.
We’ll explore the hot topics, tackle the big questions and discuss new research and good practice.
We’re talking three days jam-packed with inspiring presentations, thought-provoking conversations and hands-on workshops from some of the most renowned thinkers and doers in youth work.
A snapshot of key topics in our program:
Day 1 – Our Practice: today and beyond
The big picture — youth work now and in the future
Ending family violence and promoting respectful relationships
Youth justice is everybody’s business
Day 2 – Using data and telling stories
Studying young Australians’ lives to help shape the future
Telling powerful stories of youth work
Sparking change through collaborative arts
Day 3 – Inclusive engagement
Young people, gender and sexuality
Are you ready for the NDIS?
Meaningful youth engagement and participation
Each day will provide interactive workshops on a range of topics, across research, policy and advocacy, youth work 101 and practice masterclasses. You will learn from ground-breaking researchers, thought-leaders and practitioners; share ideas for navigating the ever-changing challenges and complexities of our practice; develop ways to articulate and communicate the value and impact of youth work and, build meaningful connections with passionate peers
And, amidst its diversity of workshops, given our long-standing advocacy of Story-telling as a vital way of understanding our practice, you will find the following:
Telling powerful stories
Powerful stories help us articulate the value of youth work and make us better advocates. Storytelling skills help connect and engage us with young people, influence decision-makers and make sense of our own lives. Learn fundamental principles of storytelling and campaigning: how to tell stories of youth work that are authentic, compelling and impactful.
We’ll keep an eye out for a conference report.
IN DEFENCE OF YOUTH WORK 