This paper outlines MYAN’s Youth Engagement Strategy, which provides a framework for working alongside young people and support them to actively participate in civic life, influence policy, and strengthen their leadership. It sets out MYAN’s approach to meaningful participation, guided by the voices of young people, and highlights the structures, goals, and commitments that underpin this work.

The multicultural young people we work with are diverse and nuanced, each carrying complex identities and lived experiences that shape the way they contribute and are positioned in relation to their communities.

Young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds, many of whom were born or raised in Australia and balance family cultural traditions with the broader Australian culture. They may span 1st, 2nd or 3rd plus generation of young Australians. They often create a third culture and act as cultural bridges, demonstrating resilience and strong leadership in advocating for inclusion, social justice, and opportunities for their peers.

International students who bring global perspectives, skills, and cultural knowledge. While they face challenges such as social isolation, navigating systems, and barriers to employment, they are motivated, resourceful, and deeply motivated. Their experiences add richness and diversity to conversations around belonging and identity.

Newly arrived refugees and migrants who are in the early stages of settlement. They may face significant challenges around language, education, housing, and employment, adapting to a new culture and environment, yet they bring remarkable resilience, determination, and hope. Their contributions highlight both the struggles and the possibilities of starting anew.

Across all three groups, these young people are not defined by a single narrative. Their diversity and nuance remind us that they are more than their migration stories, they are leaders, learners, and active contributors to Australia’s multicultural communities.