Deadly Democracy: Young leaders drive electoral participation and awareness through codesigned program.

Aaron Sampi and Sareema Tomlinson have completed a six-month placement with Garnduwa that saw them lead various youth engagement initiatives as well as develop their professional capacities.

In 2021 the social enterprise YLAB was engaged by the Australian Electoral Commission to address the underrepresentation of First Nations young people in the Australian Political system.

The Deadly Democracy program was initiated, taking the format of a two-day workshop, equipping young First Nations Leaders with the skills and understanding to make in impact in the democratic process.

As part of Garnduwa’s ongoing partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission, we have supported two Deadly Democracy Officers, Aaron and Sareema, to participate in the most recent format of the Deadly Democracy Program.

Aaron and Sareema, both young First Nations people, have been developing skills in project management, leadership and storytelling, employment skills, and understanding the ins and outs of enrolling and voting.

Presenting with Purpose

Tasked with engaging and educating young people of a similar age to them, both Aaron and Sareema have travelled to remote townships and communities presenting on a range of topics and details related to First Nations political participation.  

Aaron and Sareema’s presentations explored the impact voting can have, what it means to be a voter, how to enrol and vote, and what identification documents are required to enrol and vote. Presentations were given to youth who were attending our Young Men’s and Deadly Diva Days, initiatives of our Active Leaders Program. 
 

Designing and delivering the presentations is an awesome achievement for both Aaron and Sareema, as presenting to large groups, particularly on often misunderstood information, was a first-time endeavour for them both.

Breaking down barriers

Many barriers contribute to low levels of First Nations peoples voting engagement, including a lack of understanding of the political process and a perception that voting is irrelevant to our everyday lives.

Our own community consultations revealed that 60% of respondents did not understand the political system, 22% did not feel represented in the political system, and 18% did not think voting was important.

These barriers were the focus of Aaron and Sareema’s efforts both through the presentations and activities but also through online messaging. Their placement and professional development included education and yarning around what it mean’s to be a voter, a message that Aaron shared with our network of youth followers.

We are extremely proud to have welcomed Aaron and Sareema to the Garnduwa team and supported them as they undertook a challenging and formative 6 month placement. We look forward to watching them continue to develop as young leaders.