Civics Opportunities for Young People
There are hundreds of civics opportunities for South Australian young people who are interested to become involved in advocating for positive change across their communities. They range from local, state and federal government organisations and agencies to philanthropic businesses, not-for-profits and corporate foundations.
Their members include many volunteers and there are a number of youth led organisations too. You can find out what is involved in becoming a member of the SA SRC, or volunteer to join your local council youth advisory committee. You can participate in YMCA’s Youth Parliament or be part of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition to name just a few of the opportunities available to you as a young citizen of South Australia.
Check out the list below to see which organisations and issues interest you, and simply follow the links to the source information for full details on how you can get involved!
Adelaide Hills Council Youth Leadership Program
Council’s Youth Leadership Program offers young people a unique opportunity to build transferable professional skills.
Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups – Office of Youth
The federal Youth Advisory Groups allow government agencies to consult informed and engaged young people on emerging issues and strategies.
Australian Government Youth Steering Committee
The Australian Government Youth Steering Committee is an opportunity for young people to work with the Minister for Youth and ensure that they have a voice to government.
Australian Multicultural Foundation Youth Leadership Program
The Australian Multicultural Foundation Youth Leadership Program offers young leaders from culturally diverse backgrounds the opportunity to visit Old Parliament House and learn new and important skills.
Australian Youth Affairs Council (AYAC)
Australian Youth Affairs Council (AYAC) is a national voice and advocate for Australian young people.
Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC)
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s mission is to build a movement of young people leading solutions to the ongoing climate crisis.
Campbelltown Youth Advisory Committee
The Campbelltown Youth Advisory Committee provides an opportunity for young people to discuss issues and create change for young people.
Charter Ambassador Program
The Charter Ambassador Program (CAP) is run by the Child Development Council and is an opportunity for children and young people to say what they need to be safe, happy and well, influence change and to learn new skills.
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that represents children and young people with disability. CYDA provides a link between the direct experiences of children and young people with disability and...
City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Young Achievers Program
The City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Young Achievers Program celebrates the achievements of young people in sport, academia, art, culture and leadership.
City of Unley Living Young Reference Group
The City of Unley Living Young Reference Group provides an opportunity for passionate young people aged 12 – 25 years to engage with Council and other local organisations about issues that are important to them.
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Youth Advisory Committee
The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Youth Advisory Committee is for young people aged 15-25 who advocate on behalf of young people in the region, regarding youth issues in the region and on a broader scale.
Cummins Youth Advisory Council
The Cummins Youth Advisory Council is for young people aged 15-25 years to get involved and engage with their community.
District Council of Karoonda East Murray Youth Action Committee
Established in 2020, the District Council of Karoonda East Murray Youth Action Committee is an opportunity for a group of young people aged 12 – 25 years to meet regularly to discuss youth issues, help organise youth & community events and take part in leadership forums and self-development activities.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a leading structured youth development program, empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.
Fleurieu Coast Youth Advisory Committee
The Fleurieu Coast Youth Advisory Committee (FCYAC) is made up of young people aged 12-25 years who meet regularly to plan events, determine the risks and barriers involved in them, work through issues and assist in delivery of local events and activities for youth.
Gawler Youth Advisory Committee
The Gawler Youth Advisory Committee (GYAC) is a forum for passionate young people who want to make a difference in the community, challenge themselves as leaders and be influential in local government decision making.
Girl Guides SA
GGSA provides an exciting education program that is dynamic, flexible and values-based where girls and young women are fully supported in safe, friendly and social environments.
Goyder Youth Advisory Committee
The Goyder Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a volunteer group for young people aged 12 to 25 years who are passionate about their community and live, work, study or volunteer in the Regional Council of Goyder.
HoldUp Youth Committee
HoldUp is the City of Holdfast Bay Youth Committee and is the voice for people aged 12-25 in the Holdfast Bay area. They represent young people who live, work, study, or spend time in the Holdfast Bay council area.
Marion Youth Collective Committee
The Youth Collective Committee (YCC) is group of young people selected to represent the views and values of young people in the City of Marion.
Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN)
Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) is an advocacy non-profit body that provides advice to the government and capacity building to those who work with young people.
Murray Bridge Youth Action Committee
The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is a forum to recognise and promote young leaders within the community by listening to their ideas, capturing their options and providing them with opportunities to thrive.
Onkaparinga Youth Committee
The Onkaparinga Youth Committee is an active group of young people aged 12-25 years. They meet regularly to advocate for young people and drive change in the City of Onkaparinga.
Playford Youth Advisory Committee
The Playford Youth Advisory Committee is a team of young volunteers that work on local youth projects and events. It’s an awesome way to meet new people and to help make a change within the Playford community.
Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize
The Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize provides young South Australians with the opportunity to examine and empathise with the remarkable sacrifices of South Australian service men and women during the 20th century.
Red Cross Youth in Emergencies Development Program
Red Cross Australia has designed a program to teach young people all they need to know about the natural hazards humans face due to Earth’s changing climate.
Restless Development
Restless Development are a global youth-oriented change-making movement. Rest Less Development is committed to empowering young activists and change-makers from all over the world through their programs and initiatives.
Roxby Downs Youth Advisory Committee
The Roxby Downs Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) plan, promote and deliver youth oriented events, programs and services in Roxby Downs.
Scouts SA
Scouts SA has a range of programs for young people from the age of 5-25 and adults of all ages to take part in a range of activities
Tea Tree Gully Youth Programs
The City of Tea Tree Gully provides a range of opportunities and programs for young people to get involved in their local community.
Tumby Bay Youth Advisory Committee
The Tumby Bay Youth Advisory Committee is a vibrant group of young people who are working towards making their community better for themselves and everyone else.
UN Youth
UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led organisation that aims to educate and empower young Australians on global issues.
Volunteering SA
Volunteering SA connects people and organisations to create positive volunteering experiences and works with almost one million volunteers.
Whyalla Youth Advisory Committee
The Whyalla YAC provides an opportunity for young people to share their views and to work together to develop solutions to issues which affect their lives and their communities.
YMCA Youth Parliament
The YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament offers individuals aged 15-25 years a platform to express their perspectives on significant matters.
Youth Environment Council
The Youth Environment Council (YEC) of SA provides young people with a voice in key environmental issues facing South Australia.
Youth Opportunities Association
The Youth Opportunities Association’s mission is to create opportunities for young people to become personal leaders and develop lifelong skills, habits and confidence to thrive.