Connection matters | raise.org.au
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2025 Youth Summits – Sydney CBD and Southern Highlands, NSW In 2025 we had the pleasure of hosting two, one day Youth Summits. In Sydney, we co-hosted with Braze. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Braze, Mittagong RSL and Berrima Buslines and our Southern Highland supporters, without whose generosity and involvement we wouldn’t be able to continue to engage with young people through these valuable events. The Raise Youth Summits provide another opportunity to capture insight and feedback from young people which is used to continue to evolve our programs and ensure the youth voice is firmly embedded in our organisation. This year, our Summits were powered by the voices of Raise Graduates, bringing the true lived experience of our program into every decision we made. Their collective wisdom and passion ensure that our work remains deeply connected to the realities faced by young people today, driving programs that are not only relevant but transformative. Across the two events, 45 young people joined us from grades 9, 10 and 11 from our school partners: Randwick High, Parramatta High, Bowral High and Moss Vale High. Alongside providing valuable developmental feedback for us, the Summits create a unique space for young people to come together, share ideas, be part of advocacy work and build new connections.
They also offer the chance for young people to engage with and experience our co-hosting organisations, gaining insights into future pathways and opportunities for their careers. Raise graduate mentees Again, we have been moved by the powerful stories shared with us by our graduate mentees. We would like to thank everyone who has shared their experiences with us. These stories allow us to share the real, life-changing power of mentoring with funders, mentors, young people, parents and schools, helping us to continue supporting more young people in Australia who would benefit from our programs. Youth engagement in 2026 and beyond Our focus over 2026 will be on further expansion of the Junior YAC and embedding and enhancing our youth engagement activities, ensuring that we provide value- adding opportunities for our young supporters and advocates and build mutually beneficial relationships.
“The YAC has been incredibly rewarding. Working with a broader team with a common goal, having the autonomy to make suggestions, and to see those suggestions taken on board is hugely beneficial.” – Michael
“Being on the YAC has empowered me to advocate for young people with more confidence and clarity.” – Theodora
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