It is a bizarre paradox of contemporary life that those with the biggest stake in the future of our planet are the most likely to be left out of public conversations about it.
With the notable exception of Greta Thunberg, young people are all too often ignored when it comes to discussions and decisions about climate change, sustainability, and the protection of our fragile ecology.
An overwhelming task
Redressing this fundamental inequality might seem like an overwhelming task, but one Byron-based project is seeking to just that.
Ocean Voices (OV) is inviting local young people to be part of a youth collective that isn’t just aiming to be part of the conversation, it seeks to set the agenda.
The group is all about giving young people a voice and supporting them to act in a way that feels empowering and meaningful for them.
This week, the group is seeking expressions of interest from 12-to-18-year-olds who would like to be involved in building the collective from the ground up.
Meaningful change
‘This is about a group of like-minded young people who are coming together to make meaningful change,’ the co-founder of the OV Youth Collective, Simone Roseler, says.
‘But this is not about us creating a structure or a framework and inviting young people to be a part of it. I want these young people to tell us what they want to do and then we support them to make that happen.’
The first meeting of the OV Youth Collective is due to take place in the next six weeks and expressions of interest are due by August 7.
It is open to any Northern Rivers resident in the designated age group who is passionate about creating a sustainable future, cares about the health of our oceans, can commit to monthly in-person meetings and can stay in touch online.
‘This is where you get to explore,’ Ms Roseler says.
Blue economy
‘Yes it’s about saving our oceans but it’s also about opportunities, all of the opportunities that are available in terms of the blue economy, sustainable start-ups, and building the knowledge and skills to be part of that.’
To get involved, submit your interest via forms.gle/LWzRCP2LMFHsGPMt5.
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