From sustainability to the future of transport – what's the next big idea that could change our lives for the better in Western Australia, and around the world?
The answer could be found in the new RAC Ignite Leadership Program, which will bring together 30 of the brightest young minds from across WA for an immersive, month-long experience.
RAC Acting Group Executive Social and Community Impact Will Golsby said participants will attend four masterclasses and a leadership camp, and then pitch their best, world-changing idea.
“We're asking young people to imagine a safer, more sustainable and better-connected future – and we’re giving them the tools and networks to help make those ideas a reality,” Mr Golsby said.
“We want the participants to come up with new ideas that could help solve real-world problems, like reducing road trauma, making our city better connected, or reducing our vehicle emissions.”
The program will be run in partnership with five young leaders from local non-profit Millennium Kids.
Participants will attend a range of workshops where they’ll learn about sustainable cities from around the world, hone their networking and pitching skills, and face the major challenge of designing a vision for Perth in 2050.
The winning pitch will receive a $6,000 prize, along with ongoing mentoring and support from RAC and Millennium Kids, to further explore bringing their idea to life.
“We want to make sure young voices are being heard and most importantly, that young people are empowered to make their ideas a reality, to create a better WA,” Mr Golsby said.
The young leaders all come with inspiring stories of their own, including 16-year-old Amelia Turk – who attends global forums to push for more climate change action – and Maria Dude who walks an average of 10km a day, inspiring her friends and family to embrace active travel.
“This program is all about giving young people a seat at the table and we hope the participants will come up with seriously good ideas to shape our future. The possibilities are endless.” Ms Dude said.
“The ideas young people have are pure and creative – and with a little help, they can be turned into a reality.”
The program is open to all Western Australians aged 18 to 24. Applications opened this week and close Monday 11 September. For more information or to apply, visit rac.com.au/ignite.
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Media contact: RAC Media team, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
