The MYAN Youth Engagement Strategy outlines a framework for the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia to meaningfully engage with young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The strategy recognises the diverse experiences of this cohort, including those with refugee backgrounds, international students, and newly arrived migrants.
The framework establishes three tiers of engagement: Activators (ad-hoc consultative participation), Advisors (structured volunteer roles with defined terms), and Ambassadors (experienced advocates engaged for strategic policy work). Each tier has clear expectations regarding activities, remuneration, and recruitment processes.
Central to the strategy are three pillars of youth empowerment: Education (building communication and advocacy skills), Participation (enabling young people to influence policy and decision-making), and Inclusion (creating safe, accessible environments with wellbeing support). The framework emphasises informed consent, proper briefing and guidance, and transparent feedback processes.
The strategy also proposes an alumni network to maintain connections with former participants through communications channels and events, recognising their ongoing contributions as mentors and role models.
Developed collaboratively with MYAN’s 2024-25 Youth Advisory Group, the strategy aligns with the organisation’s commitment to uplifting young people’s participation in civic society whilst supporting evidence-based policy and advocacy work.
