YMCA Victoria launches youth empowerment platform ‘YMCA Kidstarter’ via Naked Comms

YMCA Victoria via Naked Communications, has launched YMCA Kidstarter a platform to help young people reach their dreams.

Inspired by the success of crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, YMCA Kidstarter flips the crowdfunding model on its head – asking the public for support in the form of connections, mentoring, time and work experience, rather than money.

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Offers of support will go directly to the young person via the YMCA Kidstarter website, in the form of a relevant connection, an offer of real life experience, or in-kind support.

Says Andrew Reeves, communications director at Naked: “We think this is the first platform of its kind in Victoria. It is a really simple premise, asking the public and business community to pledge their support online and give the young people a leg-up in reaching their goals.”

Youth unemployment is at a 15-year high in Victoria and more young people than ever before are finding themselves without work and with limited opportunities.

Says Peter Burns, CEO, YMCA Victoria: “This uncertainty places young people under immense pressure and increases the risk of them becoming disengaged from society. The YMCA believes the Victorian community has the power to change this. Do you remember who opened doors for you or gave you a break when you were younger? It’s time to pay it forward.”

The platform profiles six young people:

Maree who dream of becoming a human rights lawyer

Gary who dreams of becoming a fashion model and role model for Indigenous people

Hiep who dreams of creating a leadership program for Vietnamese students in the West

Minjarrah who dreams of becoming a biotechnologist

Jess who dreams of engaging more young people in politics

Zeke who dreams of opening an Indigenous performing arts company in Melbourne.

As a charity with a long history working with young people, YMCA Victoria is calling on the Victorian community to show their support for these young people, share and subscribe to follow their stories.