Media for Advocacy
Build the skills you need to use the media as a tool for advocacy.
Why a Youth Media Training Program?
It’s critical that young people’s voices are heard in the media – that their views on the issues affecting them are reflected in the stories being told. But too often, young people are ignored, stereotyped or tokenised by journalists. And it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where this program comes in. We’re here to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence to engage with the media in a way that’s safe, powerful and on your terms.
When and where is it taking place?
Join us in Parramatta, NSW on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025, from 9:00am–5:00pm each day.
Here’s what you can expect
- Free program, with covered expenses for travel (including travel/accommodation grants for regional participants) and lunch and snacks provided.
- Hands-on skill-building sessions on how to write a media release, craft key messages, and pitch to journalists.
- Practical sessions on preparing for and conducting interviews, speaking from lived experience, protecting your story, your legal rights and power dynamics.
- Hear directly from experts working in or engaging with the media, including seasoned journalists and political media advisors.
- Connect with like-minded young activists and youth-led campaigns.
- Information on how FYA can further support your own community campaign.
Ready to apply? Great decision!
Media for Advocacy is open to young people aged 16–30 living in NSW, including those in regional and rural areas and the ACT.
Applications close Sunday 22 June. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 25 June so we can help you get organised with travel and accommodation if needed.
“I came away from the two days with so much renewed energy for my advocacy and felt SO much more well equipped to work with the media. The knowledge I gained is so invaluable and has already made a difference in how I approach my advocacy.”
Media for Advocacy Naarm Participant
Frequently asked questions
The workshop facilitator for Media for Advocacy is Heather McNab (she/her), Youth Media Lead at FYA
Heather leads FYA’s Youth Media Centre where she supports and trains up young people and youth-led campaigns to use the media as a tool for advocacy. Heather worked as a journalist at the Australian Associated Press and NewsCorp before moving into government communications, particularly in strategic communications for the Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore. Heather acted as media advisor for the inaugural Youth Voice to Parliament campaign in 2021 and was campaign media advisor for a Teal Independent during the 2022 Federal election.
Come back soon to find out more about the media experts joining us.
FYA staff will select participants. We are looking for a diverse group of young people who want to use the media as a tool to advocate for change. No prior media understanding or experience is needed.
Commitment to attend the two days, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025 from 9.00am until 5.00pm.
There is no cost to participants. FYA provided lunch and a travel allowance to all participants including regional applicants (including accommodation costs where needed).
We will have a wellbeing plan and ensure to make the event as inclusive and accessible as possible. The meeting spaces are all wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. Auslan interpreters can be provided. All participants will be given a participant form that will inform how we best support participants.
We will be following the FYA Covid policy and a Covid plan. We will supply rapid antigen tests (RATs), hand sanitiser and N-95 face masks. To attend the event you need to:
- Do a RAT the day before or morning of the workshop, with a negative result
- Not have cold or flu-like symptoms or be waiting on COVID-19 test results
- Not have recently been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- And it is recommended that you are vaccinated against COVID-19
For more information get in contact with Heather at heather.mcnab@fya.org.au