The LOT
The Leaders of Tomorrow (The LOT) are a youth advocacy group that aims to advocate for young people’s needs in the City of Whittlesea. The group meets once a fortnight to discuss issues pertaining to youth within the community, while working on ideas and projects to help address these issues. The LOT play a vital role in consulting with young people to inform and advise Whittlesea Community Connections and the broader community of the needs that exist within youth in the community. The LOT’s mission includes “to engage, empower and educate through volunteering!”
The LOT’s past projects:
- Since 2018, the LOT have been advocating for a dedicated safe youth spaces within the city of Whittlesea. This has seen the group meet with State MPs, the Minister for Youth, council staff, youth council. This advocacy has been decisive for creating awareness in community and change-makers now know there is a definite need. The commitment to this advocacy remains strong.
- In 2019 the group identified the need for, planned, and developed the ‘Cultural youth music night’ in Thomastown/Lalor to bring young people from very diverse backgrounds together through music and food.
- Again in 2019 the group worked with young people from a local school to create the ‘Mad as Movie night’ to create awareness around poor mental health for young people. This included a counsellor and group discussions with referrals and information available.
- In 2020 The LOT were invited to WCC’s planning day and presented on youth needs and gaps in the area. This resulted in WCC making youth one of their priorities.
- As part of the larger planning group for the 16 Days of Activism period (a global campaign against violence against women) The LOT were consulted throughout, culminating in the 2020 version as Online presenters, the 2021 version again as Online presenters & the 2022 version guest speakers in Epping, creating discussion.
- In 2022 the LOT created a campaign that had 160 signatures for the need for a youth space.
- THE LOT have a social media presence to promote information and resources for young people.
- In 2023 the LOT are continuing their fight for dedicated safe youth spaces.
- Over the years some LOT members have become WCC staff in the youth team, settlement etc. Some have got employment elsewhere in other youth services.
If you want to join the LOT you only need to live, work or play in the City of Whittlesea and be between 12-24.
Contact details
Hayley Thomas
Facilitator of The LOT Youth Advocacy Group, addressing youth needs, gaps and advocating for dedicated safe youth spaces in the City of Whittlesea.
Email: hthomas@whittleseacc.org.au
Hours: Mon & Tue 9-5
Dean Marando
Team Leader for Children & Young People
Email: DMarando@whittleseacc.org.au
Mobile: 0473 019 831
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5