Hey everyone! I’m Raghu and I am a 16-year-old who’s trying to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life. In the past few years, I’ve been thinking (read: obsessing) about my career path, the purpose of life, the cost-of-living crisis and hashbrowns — just the usual, you know? Only last year, I became interested in leadership and started my journey with the SRC at my school. While it was in a whole other postcode from my comfort zone, I enjoyed it and decided to take more leadership roles. This brings us, friends to how I learned about the existence of the great program known as the YMCA Youth Parliament.
Picture this: I walk into my debating meeting hopped up on sugar and sleep deprivation (#studentlife) and begin making argument after argument, at the end, my teacher walks up to me and suggests I channel my... enthusiasm and passion towards a more fitting program. In essence, that is exactly what Youth Parliament is — a program for enthusiastic and passionate young people.
When I signed up earlier this year, I expected another school-like program that might help with my public speaking skills and teach me a bit more about parliament, much like civics and citizenship classes at school. Ultimately, I thought it was going to be beyond boring. Looking back, I cannot express how wrong I was. I can confidently say that Youth Parliament was one of the best weeks of my life and I learned more that week than I ever have in any school-based curriculum.
Now, I can almost hear you thinking, ‘Wow Raghu, that’s a mighty bold claim for you to make… I’m not entirely sure I believe you.’ Well dear reader, believe it because I’m going to give you the full rundown of my experiences (sprinkled with some witty comments for good measure).
When I explained to my friends what I did for a week it went along the lines of: ‘Oh so I went to Parliament House and debated on bills and other legislation on topics like regional train lines and the JEDI Council (don’t ask...).’ BORING. It’s hard to explain what makes it fun if you haven’t experienced it, but it’s the people, the environment, and the shenanigans. I can’t explain how we knighted a stuffed chicken (all shall bow to Dame Sharon the chicken), did the chicken dance (the most out-of-sync performance I’ve seen in my life) or chanted ‘WE HATE TRAINS’ in the middle of a speech about regional train lines (up the regions!). But these are memories that have made the week so silly yet, special.
The journey began in April when I attended the training days. These two days were essential for an introvert like me to branch out and make friends, and learn about the topic and the parliamentary system as a whole so I had some idea of what I would be doing. This included party election and deciding which chambers we wished to be in (If anyone remembers their year 7 civics curriculum it’s the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council — I chose the latter).
Throughout Parliament week, one of the main themes I picked up through this experience was acceptance. No one there would judge me if I voted against my party (in fact you’re encouraged to vote on your conscience), and the supportive shouts of ‘hear, hear’ were always present if I faltered in a speech. Overall it just felt… welcoming.
Parliament Week seems to have gone by like a blur, but I’ll just give you my personal highlights for each day.
Monday: First day in Parliament House, first speech (got a lot more praise and encouragement than I feel I should have), First Parliamentary Pies (do NOT miss out on the pies, thank me later).
Tuesday: Tuesday was Government House Day. After finishing our day in Parliament, we all received some very fancy invitation cards. We entered a private showing of what felt like a Victorian-era museum hosted by the very gracious Dr Richard Harris, Lieutenant Governor of SA. Bucket list item I never knew I had; I took part in a game of Uno in one of the many rooms.
Wednesday: Wednesday was Recreational day, which meant a whole day of hanging out. Most memorable was Just Dance (don’t listen to what anyone tells you, I KILLED it in Rasputin). We ended the night with a wonderful, enchanted forest-themed party hosted by our wonderful RAW Taskies (Recreation and Wellbeing Taskforce members).
Thursday: Debated the bill I worked on in the Legislative Council, it was a serious topic revolving around family law but in the end, the hard work of my committee came to fruition as it passed in both chambers, being signed into law with the Youth Governor’s royal assent.
Friday: Friday began with the closing ceremony and some truly beautiful speeches that resonated with all of us. We then went into a highly entertaining taskforce debate about the proper storage of tomato sauce (long story short… if you aren’t putting it in the fridge, you have committed a criminal and personal offence) The day ended with heavy rain, leftover chips and faint tears in everyone’s eyes as we said goodbye.
If there is one thing I want you to take from this unnecessarily long-winded story, it is that young people are the future of this country (duh). We have the power and responsibility to shape it, influence it, and learn about ourselves to one day lead it. So, to anyone on the fence about Youth Parliament or any leadership-based program, I say give it a try. It doesn’t matter if you’re the loudest voice or the quietest voice, your opinions matter. Youth Parliament has been the most fun and the most sleep-deprived week of my year and I would not change a thing. I'm not entirely sure who trusts me to give advice, but my best advice would be to get out there, get involved, meet some cool people and have fun along the way. See you next year at Youth Parliament 2025!
By Raghu
This post was written and published as part of YACSA sponsorship for the 2024 YMCA SA Youth Parliament program.
