After a successful first year of its Youth on Board initiative, the City of Greater Geelong will begin a second intake for young, emerging leaders.
The City’s Youth on Board program, which was first implemented in early 2022, offers young people between the ages of 18 and 25 the chance to join the boards of management of Geelong organisations.
The City supports and trains participants in governance and matches them with local organisations.
Current participating organisations include Hope Bereavement, Ocean Mind, South Barwon Football Netball Club and Encompass Community Services.
Mayor Trent Sullivan invited interested young people and organisations to contact the City’s Youth On Board officer, saying the program benefitted participants and organisations alike.
“Well-run organisations have boards comprised of experienced and skilled people, providing a great opportunity for these young people to learn from experts and for local clubs and organisations to develop our next generation of leaders,” he said.
“Adding an energetic and enthusiastic young person to a board can help an organisation reach new people in the community, increase diversity and gain new perspectives from a different generation.”
Deputy Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio Cr Jim Mason agreed, encouraging organisations to get involved.
“There are unique skills for the young person to learn about being part of a board with the opportunity to oversee an organisation or club,” Cr Mason said.
“But we also know that there is great benefit to a participating organisation with the addition of a young person who can contribute to the diversity at board level.
“At the same time as assisting a young person in their leadership journey, a participating organisation can benefit by having a youth voice in the decision-making process.”
To find out more about CoGG’s Youth On Board program contact the City’s Youth team on 5272 5272.
