FECCA 2019: Youth of Colour and Culture: The journey of social change

Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat at FECCA 2019Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat – Project Officers with the Ethnic Council Shepparton & District gave a joint presentation at the 2019 FECCA Conference in Hobart on the topic of Youth of Colour and Culture: The journey of social change for equality and social justice through the voices of the youth


Two young social work students from La Trobe university and project officers at the Ethnic Council Shepparton & District started the initiative to create change, as they began the conversation after the tragic event of Christchurch on the 14th of March 2019. They co-organised a community conversation event that unpacked the impacts of terrorism on ethnic communities.

For the ethnic youth in the Goulburn Valley region, this was a turning point when they felt they needed to visibly step up, grow, learn and lead the fundamental conversation on change. Two voices then turned into 43 voices called the Youth of Colour and Culture (YCC). A group that is facilitated and funded by The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District.

Considering the Goulburn Valley region is the second largest multicultural community in Victoria, it is essential to look into challenges that are faced by ethnic youth, such as racism, discrimination, identity and belonging.

The aims of this group are to empower the youth, promote social justice, equality and equity, enhancing the voices of minorities to advocate for and drive positive change in our communities and promote social cohesion and improving youth leadership skills.

The methods that will be incorporated during the process are creating events that are led by the youth, giving the youth the opportunity to co-design strategies to break down barriers and create safe spaces. In addition to having fortnightly meetings to have open discussions, share ideas and concerns.

The aspiration of the Youth of Colour and Culture is to change attitudes within migrant and refugee communities and broader communities by creating pathways for representation in the various levels of leadership, recognise the outstanding work by the Youth of Colour and Culture and challenge the existing organisational/institutional structures to be inclusive and equitable.

This initiative is auspiced by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District.

 

Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat - Project Officers with the Ethnic Council Shepparton & District gave a joint presentation at the 2019 FECCA Conference in Hobart
Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat on the Youth Panel at FECCA 2019, Hobart

Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat - Project Officers with the Ethnic Council Shepparton & District
Mariam Mgoter and Ali Albattaat – Project Officers with the Ethnic Council Shepparton & District gave a joint presentation at the 2019 FECCA Conference in Hobart

 

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