Next Gen Change Makers
Our Next Gen Change Makers Program unleashes young people’s creativity, empowering their civic engagement and amplifying their voices on the social issues that matter to them. We believe in supporting future generations and those on the margins of society to find confidence, understand their place within social systems, and actively participate in life in ways that reflect their values.
Through an eight-week, trauma-informed program, Next Gen Change Makers creates a safe, creative space for young people to explore systems thinking, self-awareness, and leadership. Art becomes the medium for connection, expression, and engagement, allowing participants to develop their voices and vision. Guided by a central creative arts project, participants identify and delve into a social issue they are passionate about, crafting a collaborative campaign that invites community attention and action.
The program structure enables youth to explore personal strengths, values, and roles in building an inclusive society. Working in teams, participants build campaigns around issues important to them. Outcomes from pilot programs include awareness campaigns, slogan designs for clothing advocating for mental health, and storytelling initiatives focused on supporting families facing addiction.
Throughout the program, various creative mediums are used, including photography, drawing, writing, and technology, to reinforce learning and inspire deeper connection to the material. Participants not only gain confidence and clarity on social issues but also co-design future program elements, fostering a cycle of continuous innovation and youth leadership.
Our mission is clear: to give young people a platform for self-expression and empower them as change-makers who will contribute thoughtfully to an inclusive, democratic society.
Next Gen Change Maker graduates develop a strong foundation of self, understand their role as a leader in the community and obtain tools and resources to live and lead with passion, purpose and integrity whilst developing insight into the broader strategic and sociopolitical influencing how they operate in the world.
In 2024, our Next Gen Change Makers program was piloted with Chisholm Institute of TAFE students over two campuses. The evaluation summary can be accessed here where you can view more on the program, outcomes and the participant’s experiences.
