Youth Space fills a demand in youth based activities in Gayndah by creating events where the youth can safely interact and have fun, free from the stressors at school and home. Through positive reinforcement and encouragement we allow the youth to take charge of projects and experience the pride and ownership of their creations.
What is unique about this method is that it engages and reconnects youth to the community because once they are invested they will naturally seek to continue it. On a personal level, it gives them proven skills which they can confidently take to the workplace.
How will Youth Space accomplish this?
Our strategy is to create monthly events with current video games that are popular. By choosing popular and low cost (or free) games & a suggested donation (currently $5) we reduce the barriers for entry. By making the event monthly & making rules to keep kids safe & comfortable we make an event that is fun and enjoyable for all.
As we get to know the kids more, we can cater additional events to their desires as well as encourage them to take on their own projects & events with us in a support role. This in turn will inspire more kids to come and join on projects. It is broken down into 3 steps
Stage 1 – Engage
This is where we give youth a safe space to play and socialise free from stress and judgement. Ideally we want to make it free or low cost to reduce barriers to entry but we have costs.
Stage 2 – Support
We then encourage them to pursue fun projects within their interests and strengths with us as a support. This helps them find a purpose in life as well as confidence, as the have already made steps towards their goal
Stage 3 – Inspire
Other youth will see their peers participating and accomplishing things and be inspired to check us out. We will grow organically through word of mouth by our achievements
What “projects” are you talking about?
The projects will vary depending on where the youths interests lie & is limited only by imagination. The role of Youth Space is to identify areas of interest and encourage & support them in their endeavour. Sometimes it can be as simple as serving drinks and food to people or as weird as making a raft out of water bottles and electrical tape(it actually worked!). The most important thing is to allow them to take ownership of the project so they can feel proud and accomplished at what they have achieved.
The good things about most of the projects are that they are inexpensive and have a good cost/benefit ratio.
As we continue to take on a variety of youths with a variety of different interests we will reach out to appropriate people with the right skillset to help further projects.
Wait, So if you’re not doing this for profit why are you not a non profit org?
Currently, Youth Space is mostly me and a few volunteers. The administrative and paperwork burden that meeting the requirements of a non profit org would distract us from with the youth. However we remain open to options as we grow and change.
What are the operating costs?
Our biggest cost is venue hire at $110 an event. Currently income from events/food/drink don’t currently even partially cover costs. In order to establish the event and demonstrate its value we will need to run at a loss in the short term.
However in the long term we will be looking at other options to reduce costs as well as these options for fundraising
-Setting up an internet fundraiser with full transparency
-Seeking donations from local business
-Doing no fix no fee phone and pc fixes
What future plans do you have for Youth Space?
Our plans can be broken up into 3 steps
Step 1 – Establish the space ($150/month)
By running monthly events with little barriers to entry and fun games we have established an ongoing space where youth can come for fun.
Step 2 – Make it regular ($250/month)
Once we have made ourselves known we will switch to fortnightly events allowing for more regular events and more exposure. By doing this we can run a variety of activities based on feedback from the youth.
Step 3 – Open a space ($400+/month)
We will hire a shop which will allow youth to stop in as needed. We will still run fortnightly events however this will allow for more freedom for an even larger range of activities. Some options include running a gaming cafe, selling youth made goods, beanbags, wifi access all run by youth under our supervision.
Benefits to the Youth
Increased sense of purpose
When you’re actively participating in a project that matters you feel like you’re making a difference.
Increased socialisation
Kids can and do socialise at school however Youth Space allows them to socialise in an environment whose only goal is fun. This allows them to relax and develop social skills without fear of rejection.
Benefits to the Parents
More competent and confident young workers & innovators
The youth are our future. If we wish to leave a better world for their kids we need to start preparing them. By doing fun but productive projects they are teaching themselves in a consequence free zone. Youth space accelerates and encourages it.
More resilient youth
By supporting the youth in their projects through the cycle of try fail reflect, they realise that failure is just another learning opportunity and not the crippling blow they think it is.
Benefits to the Community
Increased participation in society
If the youth are active in society based projects then they are invested therefore they have an interest to protect their society they belong to.
Reduction in crime
Idle bored youth without purpose or connection to society can easily fall into malicious behaviour. By being invested in your community you are invested in protecting it