WYPIN – Western Young People’s Independent Network

WYPIN is an organization for young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds between 12-25 years of age living, working or studying in the Western region of Melbourne.

WYPIN was established in 1989 by a group of young people who were interested in challenging racism in the community and to empower young people to develop programs and activities in line with their needs and aspirations. WYPIN's Committee of Management is made up of young people.

WYPIN continues to support young people to express and advocate what their needs are and serve as a voice for refugee young people in the Western region. WYPIN frequently speaks to local and federal ministers and participates and respond to community consultations.

WYPIN supports young people around a range of settlement issues, including access to education, employment and recreational services. WYPIN works with young people to assist them feel connected to their new community as well as encouraging them to develop and explore their identity.
WYPIN's main focus is as an advocate and voice for young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds in the Western region. WYPIN runs programs that focus on the educational and recreational needs of young people as well as focusing on anti-racism education and settlement issues.

WYPIN is well known for using drama and performance with young people as a community education tool and working with young people to explore issues around race and ethnicity though drama.

Recent and ongoing programs include:

• Free or low cost recreational activities during school holidays such as excursions to Aireys Inlet and Healesville Sanctuary
• Events such as the WYPIN Youth Achievement Awards (held during National Youth Week to celebrate and showcase the diverse talents and achievements of culturally and linguistically diverse young people) & Cultural Diversity Week Quiz Night (an opportunity for people from the community to meet and learn more about each other’s cultures)
• Anti-racism Peer Education Program – performances developed by WYPIN young people using drama, rap and hip-hop to educate young people against racism.
• Water Conservation Peer Education Project – WYPIN young people developed and delivered water conservation training to groups of young people in the West.
• Police & Young People: Rights & Responsibilities – a peer education project delivered by young people in conjunction with local police to promote understanding between young people and police.
• WYPIN Wheels Program – which covers advocacy, life skills and driver education.
• Leadership & Advocacy Training for the Youth Committee of Management.

You can:

• Join the Youth Committee of Management, which meets on the first Thursday of every month. Help identify issues that are relevant to you and other migrant and refugee young people and do something about them!
• Receive leadership and advocacy training, support and opportunities to develop your community network, meet new people, become more informed and get active on issues such as racism, police, public transport, education, public space and the environment.
• Help plan activities and programs like camps, excursions and workshops.
• Get involved in one of our community/peer education projects.
• Write or contribute to the WYPIN Newsletter.
• Advocate on behalf of other migrant and refugee young people on community working groups and forums.
• Challenge racism and discrimination in a positive way.
• Come and meet us to discuss how you’d like to be involved and how WYPIN can support you!