THE YOUTH VOICE CANTERBURY NETWORK:
The Youth Voice Canterbury network includes young people, youth participation groups, youth councils and advisory group, clubs, and organisations that are youth-led. We've opened applications for groups to become YVC Network members - read below to see all the details and how to apply.
Youth Voice Canterbury (YVC) are working on formalizing our network. Benefits of formalizing the network include clarity around the process of joining YVC, knowing who is in the network, easier consultation with the network, being able to better understand the needs and interests of our youth participation groups in Canterbury, and more. While there are individuals in the network as well as groups, we are currently only opening applications for groups to formalize their membership in the YVC network. Individual membership will be introduced at a later date.
Key information
What groups can join?
Any group that is based in Canterbury, or has a Canterbury branch, and aligns with all or some of YVC’s vision, missions and/or goals. Groups currently involved include youth councils, youth advisory groups, clubs, movements, and youth-led organisations.
How does the membership process work?
The application for a group to join the YVC network is online. Applications will be reviewed at least once a month by the Youth Voice Canterbury Management Team for sign off. If the applicant is unknown to YVC a team member will organise a time to meet with them.
Is there a closing date?
There is no closing date. The application will remain permanently open.
How long does group membership last?
Once a group is a member of the network there will not be a requirement to apply again, however there will be yearly check-ins to make sure we have all the right information and updated details.
What information will I need ready to fill out the application form?
Information we will require for the application form include:
Being in the YVC network means you are a part of something much bigger than just your own group. The YVC network is a hub of information and resources, support for youth participation groups, and a space for collaboration between groups.
Our three aims outline what your group can gain from being in the YVC network:
Connect young people
By being in the network you will be invited to our Youth Connect meetings that happen throughout the year to meet other young people in the network, hear about relevant topics, discuss issues, etc. We will also help to create pathways to connect young people and foster relationships with decision-makers. Lastly, being in the network means being connected with a range of opportunities in different sectors and topics including events, submissions, consultations, panels, etc.
Develop the youth voice
We develop the youth voice by providing and supporting professional development and trainings for the network. By being in the YVC network your group can voice their needs and YVC can work to seek out or create opportunities to meet those needs.
Champion youth participation
This involves contributing to collaborations, panels and projects and advocating and presenting on youth participation, engagement, and why it is important to get young people involved. For example, if you need support with things like getting a youth-led project off the ground, advocating for youth issues or consulting with young people then we can help you.
Other benefits of being in the YVC network include access to our Advisory Group (YVCAG). The YVCAG consists of members from the Greater Christchurch Youth Councils, the Christchurch, Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Selwyn Councils, Environment Canterbury, and other youth sector and youth participation reps and experts. If your group has an issue you think we can help with or needs some advice then you can bring that to YVC to take to the Advisory Group.
Any group that is based in Canterbury, or has a Canterbury branch, and aligns with all or some of YVC’s vision, missions and/or goals. Groups currently involved include youth councils, youth advisory groups, clubs, movements, and youth-led organisations.
How does the membership process work?
The application for a group to join the YVC network is online. Applications will be reviewed at least once a month by the Youth Voice Canterbury Management Team for sign off. If the applicant is unknown to YVC a team member will organise a time to meet with them.
Is there a closing date?
There is no closing date. The application will remain permanently open.
How long does group membership last?
Once a group is a member of the network there will not be a requirement to apply again, however there will be yearly check-ins to make sure we have all the right information and updated details.
What information will I need ready to fill out the application form?
Information we will require for the application form include:
- Information about your group (name, location, purpose, number of members)
- Contact details
- Social media links
- What interest areas/topics your group focusses on or is interested in hearing opportunities about
- How your group fits with Youth Voice Canterbury
Being in the YVC network means you are a part of something much bigger than just your own group. The YVC network is a hub of information and resources, support for youth participation groups, and a space for collaboration between groups.
Our three aims outline what your group can gain from being in the YVC network:
Connect young people
By being in the network you will be invited to our Youth Connect meetings that happen throughout the year to meet other young people in the network, hear about relevant topics, discuss issues, etc. We will also help to create pathways to connect young people and foster relationships with decision-makers. Lastly, being in the network means being connected with a range of opportunities in different sectors and topics including events, submissions, consultations, panels, etc.
Develop the youth voice
We develop the youth voice by providing and supporting professional development and trainings for the network. By being in the YVC network your group can voice their needs and YVC can work to seek out or create opportunities to meet those needs.
Champion youth participation
This involves contributing to collaborations, panels and projects and advocating and presenting on youth participation, engagement, and why it is important to get young people involved. For example, if you need support with things like getting a youth-led project off the ground, advocating for youth issues or consulting with young people then we can help you.
Other benefits of being in the YVC network include access to our Advisory Group (YVCAG). The YVCAG consists of members from the Greater Christchurch Youth Councils, the Christchurch, Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Selwyn Councils, Environment Canterbury, and other youth sector and youth participation reps and experts. If your group has an issue you think we can help with or needs some advice then you can bring that to YVC to take to the Advisory Group.