Magnet brochure

WE’rE likE a magnEt

at t r a C t i V E JOIN US AND HELP US CHANGE YOUR WORLD WWW.m AGNEt.ORG.Nz

WHO ARE WE?

magnet is a new organisation representing Deaf and Hearing impaired Youth in new Zealand.

Our purpose is to grow, inspire and develop positive Deaf identity and leadership. We work closely with other youth and Deaf-related organisations to make mainstream youth programmes more accessible to those with a hearing impairment.

magnet was established from results of a significant research project (Project Energize - Oct 2011), which provided a snapshot of mainstreamed Deaf youth’s social and emotional well-being.

Historically, several Deaf organisations and groups had concerns about the future prospects of young Deaf people.

Of particular concern was that many Deaf youth left school with no confidence in their Deaf identity and often lacking leadership skills. the catalyst for Project Energize (funded by the todd Foundation) was the breakdown of previous Deaf youth groups, including Deaf Youth Aotearoa (DYA). DYA had provided and/or co-ordinated educational workshops and social events for Deaf youth throughout New zealand and worked collaboratively with all New zealand Deaf Youth.

Project Energize was supported by Deaf Aotearoa, who recognised its importance and shared DYA’s concerns on the lack of Deaf youth leadership.

Project Energize sought information from 125 respondents throughout the country and included four focus groups. From the research three key themes emerged:

1: Difficulties in general associated with being deaf or hearing impaired 2: issues and access 3: interest in Deaf awareness and leadership courses.

WWW.magnEt.Org.nZ

Findings from Project Energize, coupled with previous research, saw the creation of magnet and a national Youth Co-ordinator was appointed to oversee the programme.

magnet aims to: • Improve working relationships with Deaf-related organisations • Develop good working relationships with relevant mainstream youth organisations and social services • Build stronger networks with the Deaf Education Centres and mainstream schools • Run an annual National Deaf Youth Camp

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• Promote the ‘DEAFinitely Stepping Ahead’ programme to all young Deaf people. visit www.deaf.org.nz for more information about this established school-based programme

• Establish and increase social contact between Deaf youth from the Deaf community and mainstreamed hearing impaired students • Promote International Deaf Youth and World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section.

• Establish a ‘my Journey’ Course for Deaf youth aged 12 – 17 • Run an annual Young Deaf People Leading Social Change Leadership Course for Deaf youth aged 16 – 24 • Identify potential young Deaf leaders to work with the National Youth Co-ordinator and provide a “youth voice” in decision making.

1836-1848 Great North Road Avondale, Auckland 0640

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info@magnet.org.nz