The young people of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and International Youth Day, recognised on August 12, is a chance to highlight programs sculpting these young minds.
There are many organisations across Western Australia that are delivering initiatives to support young people, but those that involve the youth as active participants are having the biggest influence.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA and the Y WA are two of such organisations.
The former charity has a range of different tailored programs for young people and works closely with schools to engage students to have a meaningful impact on community and help families in need.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA community engagement manager Richie Longson said educational institutions are encouraging and supporting their students to be involved in the selfless act of volunteer work.
“Schools are placing greater awareness on community service and social responsibility, understanding the importance of instilling values into students that will continue to develop beyond their school years,” Mr Longson said.
“Schools often engage with Ronald McDonald House Charities WA as part of a curriculum-linked activity, so this means their involvement is not just about volunteering or fundraising but also learning about social responsibility and understanding the impact illness or injury can have on families.”
The Volun-TEEN Program is one of Ronald McDonald House Charities WA’s youth programs and engages young people who are unable to visit the charity’s spaces due to various restrictions, such as age or location.
The program focuses on five key project streams: impact, experience, champion, enterprise and influence. Each stream is designed to suit all interests and talents, and the Volun-TEEN participants – or ‘Volun-TEENs’ – are required to select one stream to focus on.
With support from Ronald McDoanld House Charities WA staff, these young people are encouraged to use their creativity to deliver something that will make a meaningful impact on the lives of families who rely on the organisation.
As well as tapping into their creativity to develop ways to give back to community, Volun-TEENs are required to write an essay about their journey and experiences to receive a certificate recognising their efforts.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA volunteer manager Laura Smith said the Volun-TEEN program recognised that many young people had a passion to make a difference in community and support causes that matter deeply to them.
“We also understand that age restrictions or transport limitations can make it difficult for those under 18 to engage in traditional volunteering roles,” Ms Smith said.
“In response to the growing number of enquiries and applications we received from young people eager to get involved, we developed Volun-TEEN as a dedicated platform to bridge this gap.
“Volun-TEEN creates meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute from within their own environments, whether at home, school, or in their local community.”
Isabella Ho (left) completed Ronald McDonald House Charities WA's Volun-TEEN Program in July this year.
Ms Smith said the Volun-TEEN Program delivered a range of benefits to young people.
“Whether it’s through fundraising, awareness-raising or creative projects, Volun-TEEN offers a flexible and inclusive way for young minds to get involved and make a real difference,” Ms Smith said.
“It also allows young changemakers to learn and develop new skills sets, enhance resumes and support future career or education aspirations.
“In addition to the development of important skill sets and exposure to a worthwhile cause, Volun-TEEN encourages young volunteers to take action in ways that are accessible and age-appropriate.
“In doing so, they are not only supporting our organisation’s mission but also nurturing a lifelong commitment to community engagement and social impact.”
Giving young people a voice in government
The Y WA has been working to give young Western Australians a voice in parliament for three decades, allowing students to engage more deeply with the decisions that shape their lives.
The Y WA’s Youth Parliament program is a transformative initiative that builds civic understanding while amplifying the voice of the youth, placing young people in the heart of the political process, not as observers but active participants.
Each year, participants aged 15 to 25 years take part in the program, drafting bills, debating legislation, engaging with government officials, and reflecting on their lived experience through personal addresses.
The Y WA Youth Parliament cohort participated in an adjournment debate during the 2025 program.
Government data found that just 28 per cent of Year 10 students were proficient in civics in 2024, revealing a gap in this knowledge.
Furthermore, a separate study from Mission Australia in 2024 found that only 31 per cent of young people in WA agreed that their age group had a say on issues that mattered to them.
Nationally, 64 per cent of young Australians had mixed feelings or disagreed that their community gives them a voice on important issues.
These findings point to a clear opportunity and the responsibility of organisations, governments and schools to create more meaningful ways for young people to engage with decisions that shape their lives.
"Whether you're passionate about science, hospitality, law, the arts, or engineering – your voice matters because government affects us all." The Y WA CEO Tim McDonald
In 2025, the Y WA’s Youth Parliament programmed supported its young participants to develop and debate eight Youth Bills tackling diverse topics such as family and domestic violence, the green energy transition, and regional ambulance services.
Following the conclusion of the program, these bills were presented to Governor of Western Australia Chris Dawson, Premier Roger Cook and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas for reflection and consideration.
Youth Parliament coordinator Josh Peckover, who has been involved with the program since 2019, said this year the Y WA welcomed its largest cohort ever.
“A record 189 young people applied, and 58 were selected, representing a rich cross-section of WA’s youth,” Mr Peckover said.
“Among those selected there was an even split of participants from public and private school backgrounds.
“More than half were born overseas, a third speak a language other than English at home, and twelve of thirteen regional electorates were represented by regional participants.
“Clearly there is a strong interest among young people for opportunities like this and more opportunities are needed.”
The impact of the Y WA Youth Parliament program is tangible. When the group of participants ‘passed’ a Coercive Control Bill in 2020, it took just three years for states across Australia to follow suit with their own family violence laws.
When participants called for a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2012, WA introduced its own ban six years later in 2018.
As part of Youth Parliament, participants draft bills and debate legislation.
The Y WA chief executive Tim McDonald said the strength of the Youth Parliament program was embedded in its inclusivity and authenticity.
“This program is built on the principle that political engagement is for everyone, not just the politics nerds or future MPs, but everyone,” Dr McDonald said.
“Whether you’re passionate about science, hospitality, law, the arts, or engineering – your voice matters because government affects us all.
“Through Youth Parliament, young people aren’t just talking about how laws are made, they’re in the room where it happens. They’re debating, drafting legislation and experiencing democracy first hand.
“This kind of direct engagement builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and creates genuine connections to our democratic systems.”
In a time when many young people feel disconnected from politics, Youth Parliament showcases what is possible when organisations invest in civic education that is not just informative, but immersive.
On International Youth Day, we celebrate organisations working toward the ultimate target to give young people a voice and opportunities to contribute to their community.
By Hearts and Minds
