UN+ DECLARED
FACILITATOR HANDBOOK 24-27 April 2013 The University of Auckland www.unyouth.org.nz
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What is Youth Declaration?
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Who are we looking for?
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Details
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Focus Groups
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Registration
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WHAT IS YOUTH DECLARATION? Youth Declaration gives young aspiring leaders the platform to voice their opinions about public policy making in New Zealand. It is a place where youth can have their say and be empowered to make a change. Youth from different walks of life will come together to create a Youth Declaration which covers the views, aspirations and recommendations of young New Zealanders, relating to twelve key areas of New Zealand public policy . Youth Declaration aims to demonstrate that young New Zealanders care about the governance and policies of their local communities. Throughout the four days of the conference, you will be able to develop skills in critical thinking, communication and leadership by working together with other youth to discuss issues that directly affects you and those around you. Also with an outreach programme, socials, workshops and renowned expert speakers, Youth Declaration will be an experience that you’ll never forget!
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WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? Facilitators are vital to the running of Youth Declaration. You will be the key ingredient that will make the conference good, to life-changing for the participants. We are looking for passionate, confident and knowledgeable university students who are committed and able to guide participants in their discussions. Facilitators will be working in pairs to guide a focus group on a topic of expertise or interest to them. The role includes facilitation and supervision of focus groups, as well as being mentors and role models for the participants. There is a high level of commitment not only during the conference, but prior to Youth Declaration. You will be asked to write a briefing paper on a given topic prior to the conference, and you are to be present throughout the whole conference. Youth Declaration will be a unique opportunity and a learning experience. You will get to gain skills in facilitation and mediation, as well as develop key competencies in communication and leadership. Although the conference is aimed at the youth, the experience of guiding a group of young passionate people will undoubtedly aid your own personal growth not to mention challenge your own views. The conference is also an amazing opportunity to network and engage with political leaders, community organizations and industry professionals. Youth Declaration will be a fantastic way to meet other likeminded young adults and also a chance to stay further involved with UN Youth.
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DETAILS
DATE Youth Declaration will be taking place from 24th of April to the 27th of April, with the 23rd being the training day for Conference Assistants and Facilitators.
VENUE Youth Declaration will be held at the University of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious university. Situated close to Auckland’s CBD, it’s a short distance away from any pre or post conference activities.
FACILITATORS You will be guided by two trained facilitators who are knowledgeable about the issues in the focus group and they will be running each of the focus group sessions. They will be your mentors and they will support you throughout the conference to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard.
FOCUS GROUPS You will be put in one of 12 different focus groups, each relating to a certain area of public policy, such as health, economic development and education.
THE DECLARATION The final day brings together all participants from the different focus groups to present and debate the statements that they have created. So that the Declaration presents the views of all youth present in the conference, you will be able to vote for which statements to be included in the Declaration, and the opportunity to amend them.
EXPERTS AND WORKSHOPS Throughout the conference, you will get to hear many different experts and guest speakers. They will host a range of workshops, debates and forums to broaden your views and enrich your knowledge.
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OUTREACH You will get a chance to spend time with a community organisation related to your focus group to gain first-hand experience with the issues you will be discussing, and learn from those who work in the field.
SOCIAL While the discussions can be tiring at times, you will get a chance to relax and get to know the other participants and facilitators through a series of social events.
CLOTHING Youth Declaration includes various functions such as the formal dinner and closing ceremony (which will host a number of VIPs, including Members of Parliament), so a formal standard of dress is recommended through the conference, such as school uniforms or other business attire.
FORMAL DINNER To celebrate the passion and hard work that has gone into Youth Declaration; you will get a chance to attend the formal dinner held at a plush inner city venue.
SCHOLARSHIPS Youth Declaration aims to be accessible to young people from all walks of life. There will be a range of scholarships available to help you attend Youth Declaration which may cover travel, accommodation and the conference fees.
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FOCUS GROUPS
During the conference, participants will be in one of 12 groups, each focusing on a specific area of public policy. The descriptions below are simply a guide as to what the participants may choose to discuss within their focus group topic.
CHILD AND YOUTH
CRIME AND JUSTICE
• Issues relating to children’s rights and the development of young people. • How can we combat child poverty? • What are the challenges of growing up in New Zealand? • Should New Zealand lower the voting age?
• Improvements to our court and corrections systems. • How do we combat youth crime? • How effective are our rehabilitation systems?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
• Improvements and ways to stimulate New Zealand’s economy. • How do we create more jobs? • What more can we do with the Christchurch rebuild?
• Role of schools and the curriculum. • How important is early childhood education? • Do schools have a role to play in the addressing societal issues?
ENVIRONMENT
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
• Issues relating to the conservation and protection of our natural environment and resources. • Are we doing enough to protect New Zealand’s clean and green image? • How do we promote greener living?
• Addressing New Zealand’s role in global affairs. • What obligations does New Zealand have to conflicts overseas? • How important are our relationships with the United States and China?
GENDER
GOVERNANCE
• Issues relating to identity and empowerment. • How do businesses cater for women’s issues in employment? • How can we address New Zealand’s high rates of domestic violence?
• Addresses the governance arrangements and frameworks of New Zealand. • What changes should we make to the electoral system? • What constitutional issues does New Zealand need to address?
HEALTH
MAORI, PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS
• Issues of health and wellbeing in New Zealand. • How do we address rural access to healthcare? • Is there scope to improve sexual and mental health programmes?
• Issues of indigenous and cultural significance. • How do we improve education and health among Maori and Pacifica? • Do we do enough to cater for the cultural diversity in New Zealand?
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
• Improving New Zealand’s competitiveness and ingenuity. • What areas of research and development should New Zealand invest in? • Is green technology the way of the future for New Zealand?
• Addressing the welfare system and social security. • What changes should we make to the welfare system? • Are people becoming too dependent on government support?
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REGISTRATION The cost of the conference is $45 which covers all meals during the conference. We will be recommending some suitable accomodation options, but it is up to the participants to arrange their own transport and accomodation. As we have limited number of spaces, registration is essential for you to attend the conference. You can apply online at http://unyouth.org.nz/events/national-events/ youth-declaration where you can find more information about the conference as well. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Registrations Officer, Su Young Kim at suyoung.kim@unyouth.org.nz Feel free to direct specific queries to the relevant committee member below Coordinator – Jason Armishaw (jason.armishaw@unyouth.org.nz) Assistant Coordinator – Benedict Stewart (benedict.stewart@unyouth. org.nz) Communications Officer – Sarah Alawi (sarah.alawi@unyouth.org.nz) Education Officer – Jonathan Gee (jonathan.gee@unyouth.org.nz) Logistics Officer – Nurain Janah (nurain.janah@unyouth.org.nz) Registrations Officer - Su Young Kim (suyoung.kim@unyouth.org.nz)
WHAT IS UN YOUTH? United Nations Youth New Zealand, or UN Youth, is a charitable organization run by volunteers. We aim to educate and empower young New Zealanders at local, national and international levels. Despite having started only in 1999, UN Youth creates an amazing opportunity for youth to express themselves, learn about the United Nations and provide positive solutions for a brighter future.
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CONTACT US M: +64 4 496 9638 E: info@unyouth.org.nz PO Box 24494, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand www.unyouth.org.nz www.facebook.com/unyouthnz www.twitter.com/unyouthnz
THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND BRANCH), INC IS THE YOUTH ARM OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND, A MEMBER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS (WFUNA)