Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s (AYCC) unique training programs build the skills and confidence of young people to make a difference on climate change. In 2024, seven training summits were run across the continent, empowering more than 200 young people as leaders in the movement for climate justice. The Mercy Foundation provided a Social Justice Small Grant to fund the Darwin training summit.
Key topics included:
- Understanding how climate change intersects with social inequities and how young people can make a positive difference
- Understanding the Australian political system and how to engage with political decision-makers on issues that are important to young people
- How to communicate effectively about climate change and solutions
- Skills and tools to improve teamwork, leadership and facilitation
The program is designed to foster relationships and create plans for local action. These events are for young-people aged 13-30 from all walks of life, with free tickets and travel scholarships provided upon request to reduce barriers to participation. The program equips participants with transferable skills that they can use throughout their lifetime to take action on any issue or passion that is significant to them.
The Darwin Training Summit directly engaged 30 young people from the Northern Territory to understand their needs and interests from the training summit and to build interest in the summit. Six young people attended the training summit, who will now work to engage a broader network of youth and other community members in taking climate action locally.
AYCC also worked closely with a range of community organisations in the planning and delivery of the training summit, including:
>> Environment Centre NT
>> Darwin Working With Youth Network
>> Parents for Climate Action
>> Youth Voice NT
>> Local schools including Darwin High School
The training program focuses on equipping young people with the skills, connections and confidence to change the world. At the Darwin training summit, young people learned from AYCC leaders and guest speakers about climate science and solutions, and gained pathways for practical action towards a more just and sustainable future, both within the AYCC network and through volunteering in the wider community.
