Aaron Watson is the National Youth Week Northern Territory Young Member.
What is National Youth Week?
National Youth Week is happening from 14-22 April (check out
www.youthweek.com). It provides young Australians with the opportunity to express ideas, raise concerns and act on issues. It encourages the community to take notice of young people and celebrate the positive contribution they make. There are heaps of fun activities where young people showcase talents, and enjoy the spotlight for one week.
How did you get involved and what do you do in your role as a member of the planning group?
My friends sent me the flyer about the young member role. It looked like fun so I applied. The role of the young member is to provide a youth perspective and involvement in planning at the national level, and at a state/territory level. The young members come up with the slogan, which is ‘Launch Yourself’ this year, and the look and feel for the marketing campaign. We also do some media training so that we can promote NYW events to the media in the lead up to, and during National Youth Week.
What does taking action mean to you?
I’m a firm believer that an individual can make a difference, and that this is multiplied exponentially when people work together. Action is very important for me because I have strong views, and I feel I have to put my money where my mouth is and do something as well as talking. Also if you don’t act you can never be sure things will happen. Action can really take any form. It can be stopping to give a coin to a homeless person, helping a friend in a time of need, or getting involved in doing something positive about issues you’re concerned about.
What are some hot local issues in your area?
Indigenous disadvantage. We have so much more to do to create a level playing field for Indigenous people. This is particularly relevant in the NT where indigenous people represent 28% of total NT population. People need education, health, and employment so that they can achieve their dreams.
Multiculturalism. I love that word (don’t even think about it Johnny), and
Darwin is a true melting pot. From the Chinese that came in the Goldrush, to Greek fishermen, to many waves of refugees−from Europe, Asia and now
Africa. Australians embrace diversity, they live and grow with it, and it truly makes us richer. We need to look at our similarities rather than our differences, and work together to overcome issues.
What issues are you passionate about? Have you acted on them?
I studied poverty at university. Not in the sense that I was a student living in poverty rather that I studied development issues in poorer countries and also worked for an aid organisation. I am constantly challenged by the fact that I have experienced abject poverty first hand, yet our lives are so full of things that we don’t need. I try to think globally and act locally on many issues. So I have been a volunteer with recently-arrived refugee families from
Africa for the past 18 months, and I’m involved on my local Amnesty International committee. I plan to go overseas next year to work in the aid sector, and hopefully come back to the NT to work in Indigenous Affairs.
The environment area I am passionate about. I try to keep informed on the issues, like global warming, and do my bit by conserving energy and waste.
Youth Issues. People often need to give young people more of a go. Many people forget how talented and capable young people are. I encourage other young people to achieve in their daily pursuits. Sometimes all it takes is some positivity.
What advice would you give young people who want to make a difference in the world?
Do something. There is heaps you can do, and it doesn’t have to cost money. Volunteer for a community organisation, sign up to mailing lists that keep you up to date on issues that concern you. Talk about issues with your friends, spread the word, advocate for positive change.
Connect with others who also want to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to dream, but keep things in check too.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? How do you think we could make it happen?
Wow, big question. I am not going to say ‘World Peace’ but war is certainly one thing I’d love to change.Think of how many innocent children of our world have been lost, how many families shattered, and dreams shredded by war.
I don’t know how to make this happen, but I know that people must get sick of fighting, they must get over the pain. Hopefully one day we will talk to each other instead of shooting or bombing.
