Global Youth Impact is an exciting leadership program for girls in years 10-11. The program develops leadership and advocacy skills while focusing on issues of gender, development, social justice and human rights. The program has a strong mentoring component which will require the girls to develop a Social Justice Action Plan to implement in their school or local community.

The program encourages participants to think critically about inequalities between women and men, and social justice issues that are really important to them, and will get them to consider the different types of career options which are available in development, human rights and social justice based organisations.

** Applications to become a GYI mentor will open in October 2010. Application forms and position requirements will be posted on this page.

The role of the mentor is to: 

• support the young woman you have been matched with to achieve their Social Justice Action Plan
• boost the confidence of your matched participant and create a supportive environment
• act as a sounding board and help brainstorm ideas to overcome barriers they may face
• encourage the participant to achieve their highest potential during the implementation phase of their action plan
• share expertise, skills and information with the participant
• counter any concerns or anxieties your matched participant might have throughout the program

 Mentors need to commit their time to:

• A facilitated meeting and session with your matched participant on February 2
• A weekly phone call  (up to 30 minutes) or email for 8 weeks between 28 March – 27 May
•  Ensuring that the participant is on track and activating their plan
• A visit to the participant’s school or activity once during this period at a mutually agreed time (IWDA will reimburse travel costs – please fill out the attached travel reimbursement form and forward to IWDA with receipts)
• The final celebratory dinner and certificate presentation on May 27

Why be a mentor?  

The mentoring program can serve as a personal development tool for participants, strengthening communication, listening and problem solving skills.

Your encouragement and support of participants will make a big difference to the outcomes of their Social Justice Action Plans, and their experience throughout the program.

Hopefully, you will inspire your matched participant to achieve their very best, and they should inspire you, illustrating the enthusiasm and ideas which a whole new generation of Social Justice Campaigners (with a gender focus) can bring to the sector.

Mentor requirements:

• Must be women
• Must live in Victoria, Australia
• Must be prepared to undergo a Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Must attend an interview and provide references
• Must support gender equality
• Must commit to all aspects of the mentoring component of the program
• Must be interested in supporting a young woman to achieve her full potential

And don’t forget, it should be a lot of fun!

Click here for more information about the course and Social Justice Action Plans.

If you have any questions about mentoring please contact the Global Youth Impact team or phone us on 1300 661 812.