Step Up!
Three sessions of all-day in-person workshops in Naarm, Step Up! is bringing together like-minded activists to gain hands-on skills and challenge systemic injustice.
In June and July 2024, young activists from across Naarm (Melbourne) came together for Step Up!, a series of transformative in-person workshops designed to build hands-on skills and tackle systemic injustice. Held over three full days—June 22, July 6, and July 20—in Central Melbourne and Footscray, the workshops brought like-minded young people together to explore the strength of community and drive meaningful change.
Why Step Up! Matters
Young people play a critical role in creating transformative change. Step Up! was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools they need to dismantle oppressive structures within current systems and take action in their own communities.Workshops covered topics such as decolonization and disability justice, and focused on building the strength of youth activists to drive change in their communities.
What Participants Experienced
Participants engaged in a series of free, all-day workshops that offered:
- Exploration of systemic change topics: Including decolonisation, abolition, disability justice, and addressing unjust economic systems.
- Skill-building sessions: Focused on campaigning, community organising, and embedding wellbeing, all led by experienced activists.
- Opportunities to connect: Participants built networks with fellow youth activists and youth-led campaigns, fostering solidarity and shared purpose.
- Campaign support: Attendees explored how to start their own campaigns with ongoing support from FYA.
Who was able to apply?
Step Up! was open to anyone 18-28 years old based in Victoria, who is ready to Step Up! and campaign for change.
Stay tuned for Step Up! in other states in 2025!
Frequently asked questions
FYA staff selected participants based on young people’s interests in campaigning and:
- Individuals dedicated to addressing injustices, whether by joining an existing campaign or launching a new one with FYA’s assistance.
- Those eager to learn about politics and activism, acquire new skills, and connect with like-minded peers. No prior experience or expertise required; we’ll provide that!
- A community and collective minded person, who is keen get work with others to create change
- This opportunity is not for those already in paid positions within the activist space; rather, it’s a chance for newcomers to Step Up! and deepen their involvement.
We are seeking a diverse group of young people committed to fostering people-powered structural change.
There is no cost to participants. FYA will provide lunch and a travel allowance to all participants including regional applicants.
We have a wellbeing plan and ensure to make the event as inclusive and accessible as possible. The meeting spaces are all wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. Auslan interpreters can be provided. All participants were given a participant form that will inform how we best support participants.
If you have any other accessibility needs or questions, please email Liyan at liyan.gao@fya.org.au.
We will be following the FYA Covid policy and have a Covid plan. We will send everyone with a rapid antigen test (RAT) and N-95 face masks.
To attend the Step Up! workshops, you need to:
- Be vaccinated against COVID-19
- Do a RAT 24 hours before you leave, with a negative result
- Not have cold or flu-like symptoms or be waiting on COVID-19 test results
- Not have recently been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
We’ll have lots of RATs with us and will ask everyone to do a RAT each morning so we can keep each other safe. We will provide masks and hand sanitisers which we encourage everyone to wear and use.
Weather permitting we will aim to run sessions outdoors when practical, and have windows and doors open to allow for good ventilation or air-purifier when indoors.
For more information get in contact with Liyan at liyan.gao@fya.org.au.