Let’s talk about something super important: giving young people a real voice in their communities. This isn’t just about letting them speak; it’s about truly listening and acting on their insights.

An important youth voice opportunity for taiohi living in Ashburton, Mackenzie, Timaru, Waimate, and Waitaki districts is currently running until 30 June – the Y’s Youth Survey 2024.

Roughly every two years since 2014 our Y has taken the pulse of taiohi age 12-24 years on a wide range of topics within the categories of Attitudes, Education & Employment, and Wellbeing. The Y then widely shares the survey results with local government, health, education, social sector, and community stakeholders and decision-makers so they can take note of what our young people have to say and use it in their planning of programmes and services.

These surveys have highlighted why it’s so important to include young people in community decisions:

Getting to Know What Youth Really Need

Young people have unique needs and perspectives. The Y’s surveys show that taiohi can too often feel overlooked. By asking them what they think, these surveys uncover what’s really on their minds, from mental health issues and school support to fun activities and job opportunities. When communities take these findings seriously, they can make better choices that actually benefit their youth.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

When we involve young people in community decisions, we’re also helping to shape future leaders. Feeling heard boosts their confidence and sense of responsibility. When young people feel empowered, they’re more likely to step up, volunteer, and get involved in their community. This not only helps them grow but also strengthens the community by building a culture of active participation.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Youth participation is also great for bridging the generation gap. There’s often a big disconnect between what adults think is important and what young people actually care about. When older people listen to the youth, it creates a more inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued. This is crucial for tackling issues that affect younger people, like climate change and new technology.

Sparking Innovation and Creativity

Young people bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the table. They’re often more in tune with the latest trends and technologies, making their input incredibly valuable. Encouraging this creativity not only makes the community more vibrant but also ensures it stays dynamic and adaptable.

Building Stronger Communities

Communities that actively involve young people are stronger and more resilient. When young people feel connected to their community, they’re more likely to contribute positively and support each other. This sense of belonging is vital, especially during tough times, as it fosters solidarity and collective action. By addressing youth concerns and leveraging their potential, communities can better tackle challenges and seize new opportunities.

To sum up,Youth Survey 2024 is a great opportunity to take note of what our taiohi have to say and to make their voice an integral part of shaping our community’s future. If there’s a young person aged 12-24 years old in your life, we’d greatly appreciate you directing them to the survey links on our website: www.ymcasc.org.nz.