The Y’s Global Change Agent Program is an international leadership experience that empowers young changemakers in Australia to grow their skills, strengthen their voice and create real-world impact.
Led by the World YMCA globally and Y Australia locally, this 18-month program brings together young leaders from across the globe for immersive training, mentorship and hands-on project development.
In Australia, participants co-design local projects that create meaningful change in community while contributing to a shared global vision for a better world.
A global program
Change Agents gain:
- Immersive leadership training and personalised mentorship
- Opportunities to design and deliver community impact projects
- A deeper connection to the Y’s global movement and its four pillars
- Experience contributing to international conversations and initiatives
- Skills in innovation, collaboration and driving social change
- A supportive global network of young leaders building a better future together
Intergenerational Leadership
The Y believes in looking beyond age or experience when it comes to leadership. We not only value experience, knowledge and history but innovative ideas and new insights and perspectives.
Intergenerational leadership is the practice of people of different ages, experiences and cultures learning from one another lessons of life.
It means being open to the possibility that a high school student might know how to do something better than a seasoned executive, or valuing the life lessons a long-term board member for those just starting out.
Our Global Change Agent program pairs up Agents with CEO’s from our Associations – to foster a culture of listening and learning, both ways.
It’s how we live our intergenerational leadership values.
Rooted in the four pillars of Vision 2030
Community Wellbeing
Meaningful Work
Sustainable Planet
Just World
Meet our Change Agents. Celebrating the Projects Creating Change in Community.
Across the Y in Australia, young leaders are stepping forward to shape solutions that strengthen communities, empower other young people and build a more just world. Change Agent Cohort 6.0 is a powerful example of what happens when young people are trusted to lead, innovate and bring their ideas to life.
Together, the eight Change Agents in cohort 6.0 are collectively advancing the YMCA’s Vision 2030 pillars of Community Wellbeing, Just World, Meaningful Work and Sustainable Planet (and a number of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals) through a diverse set of youth-led initiatives. Their projects address real challenges faced by communities across the Y network, while creating opportunities for learning, leadership and collaboration.
From safeguarding and healthy eating to youth storytelling and volunteer leadership, each project contributes to building stronger systems that centre young people’s experiences and perspectives.
Some of the highlights from previous cohorts
Global Leaders. Local Impact.
Young people are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, create meaningful change in their communities and connect with change agents from around the world.
Turning Ideas Into Action
The Global Change Agent Program empowers young changemakers to transform bold ideas into real-world projects shaped by the Y’s Vision 2030 pillars.
Building a Better World, Together
Through mentorship, collaboration and grassroots action, Change Agents are helping create a more just, sustainable and connected future with and for young people.
Interested in getting involved? Or want to sponsor a change agent?
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