Youth Week
2007
21-27 May

Media Release
21 May 2007 EMBARGOED UNTIL 3.00PM

Young people offer a positive contribution

A national campaign is urging New Zealanders to recognise the positive contribution that young people make to their communities and country.

The campaign, Your Community Needs Youth, reminds adults that involving young people in decision making is one of the keys ways of fostering positive youth development.

Your Community Needs Youth is part of Youth Week 2007, which this year runs from 21 to 27 May. It is spearheaded by the New Zealand Association for Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD), with support from the Ministry of Youth Development.

According to NZAAHD National Executive Officer, Sarah Helm, the campaign reminds New Zealanders that young people are vibrant and interesting and have a valuable perspective to offer.

“Young people are often portrayed in the media in a negative context, but there are many young New Zealanders out there sharing their talents and contributing positively to their local communities.”

Similarly, young people want to be heard and have their opinions and ideas considered, she added.

“They particularly want to have a say over areas in their own lives, which is why it’s critical that young people are included in decision-making at all levels of society.”

One young person involved in developing Youth Week 2007, Sarah Jordan, echoed these comments, adding “young people want to share their unique perceptions and ideas, rather than being the audience”.

A Youth Week 2007 Toolkit, which outlines how to involve young people, has been developed to support organisations, schools and businesses.

During Youth Week 2007, a major programme of youth-related events will take place around the country, ranging from performances by young Kiwi bands, to a national art competition. A group of young people has also been selected to act as media liaison contacts for Youth Week 2007.

Events listings are updated daily on www.youthweek.co.nz with many more events still to be advised.

ENDS

See... Youth Week 2007 media kit (PDF)

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