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If you thought we were taking a breather, think again. Following a massive few months of Powershifting and Election Campaigning, AYCC volunteers across the country are now being trained up to lead the exciting campaigns we have planned for the rest of the year! Two weeks ago volunteers from the Melbourne office spent the weekend at Philip Island and last weekend it was Canberra and Brisbane’s turn. ACT school student Ben Huttner-Koros shares his experience of leadership training AYCC-style…
I’ve only been involved with the AYCC in Canberra for about 2 months – since going to Powershift in August – but last weekend I was given the opportunity to take part in the Canberra Training Day at ANU.
Apart from all the practical training, what I loved most was the amazing vibe created by everyone there, and how the feeling during the day was so positive!
I went to heaps workshops that were focused on teaching us how to start and run an environment group in our own school, and also to develop our campaigning, advocacy and leadership abilities. I learned loads, especially how it is more important for a leader to have different strengths and a variety of skills than to be too focused on one thing.
My absolute favourite part of the day was the Public Speaking workshop where we each had to make a completely impromptu speech in front of the group (eeek) and were given advice from everybody about how to improve it.
Throughout the training day I was struck by the energy and enthusiasm of everyone around me and was really inspired to go out and do my bit. My brother and I have decided to start up a climate change action group at our school! We want to make the school more energy efficient and to encourage all the students to reduce their carbon footprint. I had a great time at the Canberra training day and left feeling totally inspired and motivated to do more about climate change.
–– Ben Huttner-Koros is high school student and active member of the AYCC
