Meet Mel

Dec 12, 2017

The year-long Young Lions Advocacy and Ambassadors Program (YAAP) involves young people aged 16-24 developing their leadership skills, promoting social change and getting young people’s voices heard.

YAAP leaders develop a campaign within Whitelion to give the young people a say, attend camps, volunteer at Whitelion events and participating in governance activities.

Today we hear from Mel who, before becoming a YAAP volunteer, was already very much a part of the Whitelion family…

How did you get involved with Whitelion?

I was introduced to Whitelion in 2013 through my ex-partner who was part of the Young Lions Leadership Program. Since then it was my goal to be a Young Lion.

But before I was able to make this a reality, I became a young mum and experienced homelessness, unemployment and struggles with mental health.

Finally, in 2016, I felt able to apply to be part of the Young Lions Leadership Program, and was accepted. The Young Lions group became like a family.

From there, I asked for help from the Whitelion employment program, which supported me to find work, and the Wyndham team, who helped me find stable housing.

What is your role at YAAP?

This year (2017) I applied to become a volunteer with the new Young Lions Advocacy and Ambassadors Program (YAAP). My goal was to continue to learn leadership skills and to encourage other young people to find their voice. I'm the big sister of the group, the one everyone knows they can talk to and be open with.

My biggest moment this year was at National Camp when a young boy acknowledged me in front of the group and said that I had encouraged him to be stronger and to speak out. He said that because of me he wanted to become a leader and apply to be a YAAP volunteer next year. These words I will never forget.

What does YAAP mean to you?

YAAP is all about being true to yourself and not letting anyone say otherwise. It's about community and being there for everyone and being the voice needed.

This year I learnt that I need to focus on myself and to do more self-care. Before, I only ever cared about looking after everyone else. I learnt to put my own needs first for a change.

Applications for YAAP 2018 are now open. To find out more click here!