Step Up!
Bringing young activists together to gain skills, tools, and challenge systemic injustice for real change.
Ready to build skills, connect with fellow changemakers, and take action for justice? Step Up! is coming to Sydney (Gadigal)!
Why Step Up! Matters
Young people are critical to creating transformative change. This Federal Election young people make up 47% of voters — their power to shape the future is undeniable. But for real change to happen, young people’s voices must be integrated and reflected in the policies and systems that shape our world. Step Up! is here to help you turn that power into change. The program will help equip you with the skills you need to challenge oppressive systems, both during and beyond electoral cycles. Join us for workshops on decolonisation, campaign strategy, volunteer recruitment, and more, and connect with like-minded peers who are driving change in their communities.
When is it happening?
- Tues 27 May, 6:30pm-7:30pm – Online introduction session on Zoom to meet fellow participants and explore topic of Understanding and Transforming Systems.
- Sat 31 May & Sun 1 June, 9:00am – 5pm – In-person workshops at the Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) Parramatta, Sydney
Here’s what you can expect:
- 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.
- Optional ongoing support through a series of online campaign clinics to workshop issues arising in your campaigns.
- Completely FREE to participate in, with food provided and covered expenses for travel
- Connect with like-minded activists and youth-led campaigns.
- Have the opportunity to start your own community campaign with FYA’s support.
Ready to apply? Great decision!
Step Up! is open to anyone 16-30 years old based in NSW and ACT, who is ready to Step Up! and campaign for change.
Applications will close on 27 April. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-May to organise travel and accommodation if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
The organisers and workshop facilitators at Step Up are:
Pablo Brait (he/him), Campaigns Director
As Campaigns Director at FYA, Pablo works to support youth-led organisations to fight for and win the change they want to see in the world. An experienced campaigner and community organiser, Pablo has previously focused on stopping the expansion of the destructive coal and gas industries, working for over 15 years with organisations including Market Forces, The Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Beyond Zero Emissions.
Jessica Tran (she/they), Campaigns Manager
As the Campaign Manager at FYA, Jess’ role is to support young people and youth-led organisations to run campaigns to create change, from campaign planning to communication strategy. Jess comes from a background of campaigning and grassroots organising for refugee and migrant justice, working to help push for the abolition of mandatory detention policy and for permanent protection for all people seeking asylum. Jess also works in the climate justice space training campaigners and volunteers to upskill their digital skills for positive outcomes. Jess has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Media.
Sage Akouri (they/them), Events Manager
As the Events Manager at FYA, Sage leads all event management related activities. Sage works across the organisation in collaboration with all FYA programs to deliver meaningful, engaging and accessible events.
Heather McNab (she/her), Youth Media Lead
Heather leads FYA’s Youth Media Centre where she supports and trains up young people and partner campaigns to use the media as a tool for advocacy. Previously, Heather worked in strategic communications for the Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, and as media advisor for a Teal Independent for the 2022 federal election. Heather also has a background in local government communications and started her professional life as a journalist at the Australian Associated Press and News Corp.
Krystal Luu (she/her), Communications Manager
Krystal is the Communications Manager at FYA, where she leads creative projects and oversees the organisation’s communications channels. With experience across value-driven startups, social enterprises, and nonprofits, she specialises in nurturing brands and crafting meaningful content. Krystal holds a BA in Communications and International Studies and is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy and Counselling, deepening her understanding of storytelling, connection, and human-centered practices.
FYA staff will select 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 to 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 looking for a diverse group of young people committed to building people-powered campaigns who want to solidify their knowledge base and build their networks of fellow activists.
The commitment is attendance at the online introduction session (90 minutes) and the 2 day sessions on 31 May and 1 June (approximately 9am-5pm both days). Optional attendance for the online campaign clinics post Step Up!
There is no cost to participants. FYA will provide lunch and a travel allowance to all participants including regional applicants.
We will 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 will fill out a participant form that will inform how we best support participants.
If you have any other accessibility needs or questions, please email Jess at jess.tran@fya.org.au
We will be following the FYA Covid policy and have a Covid plan.
To attend the Step Up! workshops, you need to:
- Do a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of the start of the in-person component of the event, with a negative result (we can provide RATs to participants).
- 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 Jess at jess.tran@fya.org.au