In October 2014, MYAN (Australia) hosted ‘FUSE’ – Australia’s first ever national youth summit for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Held in Sydney, and working with the themes of ‘Connect’, ‘Ignite’ and ‘Trail-blaze’ , FUSE brought together 40 of the brightest young leaders from across Australia to put a multicultural lense on national youth issues. FUSE equipped young people with the skills, confidence and networks to become influential Australians.
Through workshops and panel presentations, FUSE delegates learnt from each other, heard from experienced advocates and met MPs and other decision-makers. The program also included a powerful performance from Tasmania’s Students Against Racism, followed by a Q&A with Dr. Tim Soutphommasane, Australia’s National Race Discrimination Commissioner, on issues of racism, identity and belonging.
FUSE concluded a jam-packed 3-days at the GWS Giants Learning Life Centre with delegates presenting to a panel of MPs – Senator the Hon. Concetta-Fierravanti-Wells, Mr. Craig Laundy MP, and Mr. Matt Kean MP – and Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, Ms Megan Mitchell.
Day 1
Pitch Perfect (Andrew Cummings, MYAN NSW)
This workshop explored the various elements that contribute to a quality presentation. Participants were encouraged to think about the effective communicators they know, explore the factors that help them get their messages across, and consider how to apply those same principles for their own presentations.
Strengths and Self-Care (Marida Roux, MYAN QLD & Melissa Honey, Multicultural Youth NT)
This workshop explored how young people can use their strengths to be community leaders today, tomorrow and long in to the future. It looked at the rewards and the barriers to being a community leader, and practical strategies for taking taking care of ourselves in the long-term.
Leadership in a multicultural society (Alice Gomez & Tizita Yohannes, Centre for Multicultural Youth)
What makes you a leader? This workshop explored concepts of “leadership” and in what ways participants identify as leaders. As well as understanding some common leadership styles, the impact of cultural identity and values on practicing leadership in different contexts was explored.
Networks and relationships (Alice Gomez & Tizita Yohannes, Centre for Multicultural Youth)
Who do you know, and who do you want to know? This workshop provided the space for reflecting on the value of recognising and utilising existing networks, as well as identifying new connections made through the FUSE Summit. Key tips for effective communication in maintaining good working relationships with others was also explored.
Students Against Racism (SAR) – using stories to build understanding (Gini Ennals & SAR participants)
SAR was established in 2008 to give a voice to CALD students in Hobart who had arrived as refugees. In this session participants learnt about the process for setting up a SAR group and the value of advocating for change through storytelling; how to involve your audience and; concrete activities that participants’ can undertake upon return to their home state/territory. The session focussed on activities from the ‘Living in Between’ workshop, a SAR workshop designed to build cultural understanding, explore the refugee and settlement experience, and discuss the main issues faced by CALD young people.
Advocacy: creating change (Kenneth Kadirgamar & Sarah Tam-Perez, Multicultural Youth NT)
This workshop was designed to inform and inspire FUSE delegates about change and advocacy concepts and activities. It explored key aspects of ‘change making’ theory, the scope of advocacy activities, barriers to engaging in advocacy and, some strategies to address these
Panel sessions were held on Day 2, with experienced advocates and Day 3, with MPs and the National Children’s Commissioner.
The session on Day 2 was designed to:
(i) give participants a practical idea of engaging in advocacy,
(ii) increase delegates’ understanding of the diversity and opportunities involved in advocacy work,
(iii) build confidence by asking questions and hearing practical stories from people’s experience,
(iv) connect with diverse and experienced advocates,
(v) inspire delegates to engage in advocacy and active citizenship and (vi) learn some key strategies for engaging with MPs.
The panellists reflected diverse advocacy experiences relevant to the youth and multicultural context and included: Jan Muhuntan (UN), Kate Pasterfield (Chief of Staff to Min. for Youth), Pete Dawson (Recognise This campaign), Alphonse Mulumba (Labor Party candidate in TAS state government), Nadine Liddy (MYAN Australia). The panel was chaired by Amna Karra-Hassan (Multicultural NSW Advisory Board) and Maia Giordano, (MYAN NSW Project Officer).
The session on Day 3 provided an opportunity for young people to:
apply (newly acquired) advocacy skills and knowledge (including public speaking),
engage in dialogue with MPs/decision makers, and
promote key human rights issues and recommendations relating to refugee and migrant young people in Australia.
Panellists were: Sen. Fierravanti-Wells (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, responsibilities for settlement and multicultural services), Mr. Craig Laundy, MP (Member for Reid, NSW), Mr. Matt Kean MP (Member for Hornsby), Ms. Megan Mitchell, National Commissioner for Children.
Recommendations from FUSE 2014 include:
- Ensure that programs are targeted to the needs of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, so their particular and diverse needs are addressed and they are supported to take up opportunities that exist. Programs should be flexible, responsive and scaled to increasing and diversity of needs.
- Ensure national consistency in youth-specific ESL programs.
- Educate the mainstream Australian population about cultural diversity and advocate for more cultural awareness training focussed on young people in government services, including police.
- Support young people to better understand their rights and responsibilities through a national program that teaches young people about human rights and responsibilities in the Australian context.
- Involve family/parents in developing and implementing solutions.
Promote activities, e.g. through the MYAN, that facilitate young people’s engagement with decisionmakers so that decision-makers hear directly from young people about their experiences and possible solutions. - Promote national activities/events that bring young people together to share experiences, develop advocacy skills, and identify common issues and solutions to take back to the local, state/territory level.
