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The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC) is seeking young people (16 – 25 years) from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences to be part of the Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network (MMYN). A key focus of the MMYN is to represent the voice of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse young people to the Victorian Government through OMAC. The MMYN has the opportunity to highlight key issues facing Victoria’s diverse young people and develop youth led projects which respond to some of these issues.

The following will guide the OMAC’s selection of MMYN members:

• Diverse background (or experience): successful applicants will identify with a diverse faith, ethnicity or culture, be newly arrived or indigenous and/or have a strong interest in issues of equality, diversity, faith and culture.
• Established links within their communities: successful applicants will be able to demonstrate established links to community groups and/or networks.
• Time to commit: successful applicants will be able to commit to a 12 month involvement with the MMYN. During this time, it is expected that MMYN members will be able to attend at least four meetings, be willing to get involved in projects generated within the MMYN.
• Enthusiasm and passion for cultural diversity: successful applicants will have enthusiasm and passion for the topics of faith and culture and issues affecting young Victorians. Creativity and innovative ideas on how communities might learn, engage or promote cultural and religious diversity in Victoria will be highly regarded.
• Participation in the network is voluntary, for a period of 12 months.
• MMYN meetings usually take place in the CBD on Thursdays from 4.00pm.

Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network

Background
The MMYN forms part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to increasing the leadership capacity, engagement and participation of young people from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds. Twenty five young Victorians from diverse faiths, cultures, geographical locations and life experiences are selected to be part of the MMYN. Membership of the MMYN is reflective of Victoria’s religious, cultural and social diversity with members representing a wide range of cultures, faiths, circumstances and communities. Since its inception in 2007, over 65 young people have been through the Network.

Role of the MMYN
The MMYN provides advice to the Victorian Government on a range of multifaith, multicultural youth issues and initiatives. MMYN members have the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, communication and promoting understanding across diverse faiths and cultures. Members also have the opportunity to highlight key issues facing Victoria’s diverse young people and develop youth led projects which respond to some of these issues.

Activities
Some of the activities of the MMYN have included:

• Assisting with the planning and coordination of the Faith and Culture Youth Forum 2007 and a state‐wide youth forum in Swan Hill in April 2010.
• Providing input into the development of five Youth Led Initiatives. The Youth‐Led Initiatives were a recommendation of the 2006 Youth Forum and involved MMYN members, young people from the Forum and five youth‐based organisations developing and implementing five projects around the themes of:
  - Media: representation and discrimination;
  - Sport: with a multifaith, multicultural dimension;
  - Education: faith, culture and respect in schools;
  - New and Emerging Communities: welcome, support and shared experiences; and
  - Employment: thoughts and strategies.
• Developing and undertaking two MMYN Schools Tours. The Tours involved members of the MMYN travelling to regional centres to discuss issues of faith, culture and human rights with high school students.
• Presenting at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s Everyday People, Everyday Rights Conference (2009) and the Diversity in Health Conference organised by the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (2010).
• Participating in the Parliament of the World’s Religions and acting as representatives on the Parliament Youth Committee in December 2009.
• Planning and delivering the first ever youth stage, Ubuntu at the Viva Victoria festival at Federation Square during Cultural Diversity Week 2011. The Ubuntu Youth Stage was a huge success with nine performances from diverse groups across Victoria.

MMYN members are encouraged to comment on Victorian Government programs and policies; raise any emerging issues of concern for young people; explore ideas for activities focused on faith, cultural and youth issues and represent the MMYN at various events and meetings.

Keeping Informed
The MMYN regularly communicates via email. You can also add the MMYN as a Facebook friend, just search for Multifaith Multicultural‐Youth. MMYN members inform other young people about their activities via the Youth Central website: www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Meetings
The MMYN meets four to six times a year or as required for specific projects. The majority of meetings take place in the CBD on Thursday from 4.00pm. Project meetings usually take place after hours at various locations.

Contacts
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Laura Portaro (OMAC) on 9651 2931 or laura.portaro@dpc.vic.gov.au

Further Information

• MMYN Information for Applications
• MMYN Application Form