UN+DOCUMENTED

FACILITATORSPROMOTIONAL HANDBOOK

YOUTH DECLARATION 2012

www.unyouth.org.nz

WHAT IS YOUTHDECLARATION?

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Youth Declaration gives young leaders the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to public policy making in New Zealand. It draws the beliefs of young New Zealanders into a document – the final Declaration is the product of youth from all walks of life, converging to contest and articulate a better future for our country.

In the past, the Governor General, many Members of Parliament, Councillors and Government Ministries have all received and responded to the Declaration. Youth Declaration is a challenge to the leaders of today.

You will have a crucial role in facilitating the flow of discussions in a small group to ensure that the final Declaration represents their voice. Students will learn from you and we hope that you may also be inspired by them.

Over the course of four days, you will develop key skills and gain a unique experience in group facilitation. More importantly, Youth Declaration will be an unforgettable experience – packed with expert speakers, workshops and awesome social events! Be prepared make friends with other passionate and inspiring youths!

During our first group session, discussion was slightly tentative. But by the next one, delegates were asking probing questions of the issue at hand and genuinely engaging with it. This progression was inspiring, and a pleasure to have witnessed. – Gayathiri Ganeshan (Facilitator)

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WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Youth Declaration is a unique opportunity. Not only will you learn new skills in facilitation and mediation, you will also develop key competencies in communication and leadership. Whilst the conference is for youth, the experience of guiding a group of passionate young people will no doubt challenge your own views and aid in your own personal growth.

The conference is also a great opportunity to network with political leaders, community organisations and industry professionals.

Youth Declaration is a fantastic way to meet other driven young adults and to discover further ways of staying involved with UN Youth. Past facilitators have found Youth Declaration to be a fun, inspiring and thought-provoking experience.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Facilitators lie at the heart of Youth Declaration. You are the key ingredient that will make the conference a life-changing and an enjoyable event for participants. We are looking for passionate, confident and committed individuals who can lead.

Facilitators will work in pairs to guide a focus group on a topic of interest to them. Your role includes facilitation, supervision and also being a mentor and role model for the youths present. To excel in this role you should have a keen interest in one of the focus topics, enthusiasm and respect for their differing opinions.

There will be a high level of commitment required prior to and during Youth Declaration for all facilitators. Prior to the conference, you will be required to write a briefing paper on a given topic. Over the course of the conference you are expected to be present at all times to guide delegates during discussions and to lead by example outside of group discussions.

We will provide you with plenty of support to help you carry out your role. Please ensure that you are available to attend a training session on Thursday 12th April.

In addition to 24 facilitators, we are also on the hunt for welfare officers and media officers.

DATE

VENUE

FACILITATORS

Youth Declaration will take place from Friday 13th to Monday 16th of April 2012. These dates are the middle weekend of the first semester break.

DETAILS

Youth Declaration will be held at the University of Auckland. As New Zealand’s largest and shiniest university, it’s the perfect venue. Close to the heart of Auckland CBD, the venue is a short walk away from your pre and post conference activities!

This is your role! Two trained facilitators run each focus group. These facilitators are will have knowledge on the issues under discussion. They will guide the group and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

FOCUS GROUPS

12 separate groups centered on different issues allow you to lead debate on your area of expertise or areas that you find most interesting.

THEDECLARATION

After discussing issues over three days, the final day brings everyone together to consider all recommendations and vote on which statements will make it into the final Declaration. This process ensures a Declaration that represents the views of all youth present.5.

EXPERTS

Throughout the event you will hear from interesting and knowledgeable guest speakers. There will be an opportunity to engage directly with experts, industry leaders and relevant organisations as part of the outreach program.

SOCIALSThough the discussion at Youth Declaration can be intense, it is balanced by plenty of chances to relax, unwind and get to know other facilitators and participants.

FORMALDINNER

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the formal dinner on Sunday. This dinner is a celebration of the passion and hard work that has gone into Youth Declaration. Held at a stunning inner city venue, it is sure to recharge batteries for the final day.

DRESSYouth Declaration includes several formal functions including the dinner and closing ceremony. Formal business-like attire is requested throughout the conference.

WELFARE AND

MEDIA OFFICERS

These essential roles help to keep all conference participants happy, by addressing welfare concerns, and by taking lots of photos!

AFTERPARTY

To reward facilitators for all their hard work, there will be a facilitator after-party on Monday evening after the conference. Location TBC. Food and subsidised drinks are provided. This is a great opportunity to relax and celebrate the end of an intense four days! 6.

FOCUSGROUPS

Discussion at Youth Declaration takes place in 12 focus groups, each with 12 members.

Focus groups are an integral part of Youth Declaration. The atmosphere within groups is the perfect way to learn and discuss issues. Participants will be free to propose ideas in an open and accepting environment. Focus groups are broad enough to ensure a diverse and interesting range of topics are covered.

The smaller size of focus groups also makes it easier to get to know people.

The groups are listed below. For each group there are questions that indicate the kind of issues that may be discussed, but these are just a guide.

CHILDREN AND YOUTHHow do we reduce child abuse?Should youth have more of a say in Government?What are the challenges growing up in New Zealand?

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTWhat can the government do to promote growth?What are the growth areas for our economy?How does New Zealand fit into world markets?

GENDERHow can we tackle inequalities in educational outcomes?Are women underrepresented in top positions?Is it possible to end gender discrimination?

FOREIGN AFFAIRSShould New Zealand sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement?How should New Zealand develop relationships in the Asia-Pacific region?What are New Zealand’s global responsibilities?

HEALTHAre we doing enough to tackle obesity?What steps are needed to reduce health inequalities?Are measures needed to deal with an ageing population?

GOVERNMENTDo we really need Māori seats?Are changes to our electoral system needed?What powers should local government have?

LAW AND ORDERShould dangerous prisoners be kept in prison beyond the length of their sentences?Do we need to raise the legal drinking age?Do we need more focus on victims’ rights?

ENVIRONMENTHow can we clean up our rivers?Is the government doing enough about climate change?What changes are needed to move towards sustainability?

EDUCATIONWhat subjects should be compulsory in schools?How we combat educational underachievement?What defines a well-rounded education?

SCIENCE AND INNOVATIONShould the Government be picking growth areas?Can New Zealand enterprises really compete worldwide?Why are young people not getting involved in science?

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTWhat is the best way to stop youth unemployment?Do we need to change the way social services are provided?Should beneficiaries be required to work for the dole?

MĀORI, PACIFIC ISLAND AND MINORITY AFFAIRSWhy do Māori and Pacific Islanders have lower than average health and education?How should Māori perspectives and beliefs be incorporated into Government decisions?How do we recognise and respect ethnic minorities?

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REGISTRATIONThe application process for Youth Declaration starts early. This gives us time to select applicants, and you plenty of time to prepare for the conference.

Apply online at www.unyouth.org.nz by the 24th of February.

We will be in touch to confirm your position by the 2nd of March.

Facilitators and Conference Assistants have a reduced registration fee of $45. This covers all meals and activities during the conference.

For any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Registrations Officer Kyung-il Min at kyung-il.min@unyouth.org.nz.

If you have any other queries please direct it towards the appropriate committee member.

Coordinator – Sally Wu (sally.wu@unyouth.org.nz)Assistant Coordinator – Yanjie Long (yanjie.long@unyouth.org.nz)Communications Officer – Elia Kim (elia.kim@unyouth.org.nz)Education Officer – Elliot Hurst (elliot.hurst@unyouth.org.nz)Logistics Officer – Suzy McKinney (suzy.mckinney@unyouth.org.nz)

For more information, please visit:http://www.unyouth.org.nz/events/national-events/youth-declaration

WHAT IS UN YOUTH?United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand, or UN Youth, serves as the youth arm of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). WFUNA has consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Despite only being in existence since 1999, UN Youth creates an amazing opportunity for youth to express themselves, learn about the United Nations and provide positive solutions for what is, ultimately, their future.

Visit our website: www.unyouth.org.nzGet the latest updates on our Facebook:facebook.com/unyouthnz

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OUR SPONSORS

Designed by: JY Lee NDT Graphic Designer

THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND BRANCH), INC IS THE YOUTH ARM OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND, A MEMBER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS (WFUNA)

CONTACT US

M: +64 4 496 9638E: info@unyouth.org.nzLevel 13 Davis Langdon House49 Boulcott StreetPO Box 24494Wellington Aotearoa New Zealandwww.unyouth.org.nzwww.facebook.com/unyouthnzwww.twitter.com/unyouthnz