Young people across Ballarat and region have been urged by Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, to get involved in an initiative to promote wider, deeper and different discussions about the sort of democracy they want.
Called MOVEMENT, the initiative is a partnership between MTV Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka and Delloitte Digital, with wide support from national youth and social action organisations and the House of Representatives in Canberra.
“UN International Day of Democracy, September 15, marked the start of the new MOVEMENT to highlight issues that matter to Millennials (those Australians born between 1982 and 2003), find a leader to represent their views, and to inspire positive social action,” Ms King said.
“We are often given to think the Millennials generation is apathetic and somewhat disengaged in the political process,” Ms King said.
“I really don’t know if that is the case around this region. We have terrific schools and a great social network for young people keen to get engaged and I have met many who have strong and legitimate opinions about what is happening around them.
“However I think this is a great initiative and I am really pleased the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka is playing a part in the process.”
The Millennial Generation represents 30% of the entire Australian population but accounts for 46% of the 1.2 million Australians who have not enrolled to vote.
MTV research has found that Millennials are typically tolerant, open minded and happy, yet only 3% trust, and 6% are inspired by, government.
Through the MOVEMENT initiative, Millennial Australians can nominate themselves as a Millennial Leader candidate by uploading a 30-second video and answering four questions at www.mtvmovement.com from September 15 – October 10.
A 10-person panel of their peers will determine a shortlist of the Final Five candidates who will then campaign during a three-week public voting period.
The elected Millennial Leader will be announced on November 14 2013. He or she will speak out about Millennial issues and receive things money can’t buy – access to a ‘Brains Trust’ of leaders with diverse skills and knowledge, unique experiences and broad exposure.
The Leader will be ‘in office’ until 15 September 2014, next year’s UN International Day of Democracy.
At mtvmovement.com, Millennials will also be able to say what they most value, their issues of concern and how much they feel able to act for their future.
For more details on the voting process, please go to www.mtvmovement.com