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Movement Network

FYA’s Movement Network supported 10 youth-led organisations and movements to work together across difference, unleash collective power and create new futures.

SHR

Movement Network concluded in 2024.

What was the Movement Network?

Young campaigners, community organisers, and creatives called for a world that prioritised people and the planet over profit, where everyone had the chance to build a fulfilling and joyful life, and where our shores, seas, and skies were protected.

FYA’s Movement Network built a community of practice and care for young people working across First Nations, disability, climate, economic, racial, and LGBTQIA+ justice and liberation.

Through in-person gatherings, online workshops, peer learning, and knowledge sharing, organisations became part of a community that encouraged collective problem solving, ideating, pooling resources, and supporting one another.

What were the benefits?

Movement Network members had access to:

  • Two all-expenses paid gatherings in March and October 2023
  • The first gathering took place Wed 15 March – Sat 18 March 2023, at Commonground on Taungurung Country. It was centred on dreaming a shared culture and vision for the Movement Network, grounded in First Nations knowledge and values (facilitated by Murri Matters). It prioritised relationship building with other leaders from youth movements, cultivating joy and rest as resistance.
  • Regular webinars and workshops led by local and global organisers, activists, healers and creatives.
  • Mutual aid and peer learning spaces to problem solve, ideate and share knowledge with other leaders from youth movements.

Frequently asked questions

Who was able to join the Movement Network?

Organisations/collectives must:

  • Have a focus on one or more of the following issue areas: First Nations, disability, climate, economic, LGBTQIA+, racial justice. 
  • Have lived experience and expertise in one or more of the issue focus areas. 
  • Be led by people under 35.  

Each organisation or collective nominated two representatives to take part in the Movement Network gatherings. We were looking for people who were:

  • In senior leadership positions that hold decision-making power in their organisations
  • Open-minded, willing to learn and shift ways of thinking 
  • Reflective and collaborative 
  • Willing to move at the pace of trust and loving relationships
  • The webinars and workshops will be open to other members of your movement.

Did the movements or collective need to be registered as a charity or company in order to join?

No! Whether they were part of an established NGO or a grassroots community group, we were keen to hear from everyone. We were less concerned about the structure of the collectives or communities and they didn’t need to be registered as a legal entity to apply. We were looking for people who are connected, and accountable, to communities, and working to transform the future.

What inclusion and accessibility support was provided to attend the gatherings and online spaces?

We work to make all our events as accessible to as many people as possible. 

Accessibility at the venues

All of our gatherings were held at wheelchair accessible venues. 

Auslan interpreters and captioning

Auslan interpreters were provided for gatherings. Our webinars were also captioned – either with live captioners or auto-generated captions. 

Single and all gender bathrooms

We had single and all gender bathrooms at our events to cater to the wonderful cultural and gender diversity that exists in our community. 

Covering costs for gatherings

All travel, accommodation and meals are covered by FYA. We also covered childcare, support workers, companion animal care and lost wages (e.g. if you are a volunteer and have to cancel any shift work to attend the event). 

How were Movement Network members selected?

A selection panel made up of FYA staff were responsible for reviewing all of the applications.

We are especially interested in working with young people with diverse lived experiences of systemic injustice e.g. First Nations, Black, Indigenous, migrants of colour and refugees, disabled, LGBTQIA+, young parents, young people who live in rural and regional areas, young people with lived experience of the justice system, foster care or mental health system as well as folks who come from low-income backgrounds. 

We are interested in ensuring the overall cohort is diverse in lived experience and issue area focus.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions or want more information about the Movement Network you can get in touch with youthaction@fya.org.au