YMCA Australia and Boy George call for young voices to be heard in new work via Be Counsel

In a musical moment 40 years in the making, YMCA Australia via Be Counsel, has today reclaimed the Village People’s global hit of the same name, partnering with Boy George to re-create the iconic tune.

Through the re-interpretation of the iconic song, the YMCA aims to shine a light on the issues that Australia’s youth are facing today. The song aims to provide a message of hope to young people across Australia, and ultimately, aims to encourage young people to speak up and have their voices heard.

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The inspiration for the campaign was born from new research by YMCA Australia which has revealed the primary issues facing today’s youth where they feel unheard and powerless.

Alarmingly, almost three quarters (74%) of Australians aged 13 – 22 don’t believe those in power are making the best decisions possible for the future of young people.

A further two thirds (66%) stated that they feel their age prevents them from having a voice in society that people listen to, while more than half (57%) believe that social media is the only avenue to have their voice heard by society and those in power.

Of the issues that are important to Australia’s youth but feel they aren’t being heard on, youth unemployment ranked first (87%), closely followed by marriage equality (86%) and mental health (80%).

YMCA Australia CEO, Melinda Crole, commented that these findings were a key reason behind the YMCA taking such a passionate public stance through its reinterpretation of the Village People song.

Says Crole: “Young people have overwhelmingly told us that their voices are not being given a say in decisions made by governments, institutions and employers that affect their lives. They have ideas, energy, dreams and visions for a better future but too many are drowning in despair because they feel ignored.

“Every day, politicians are making decisions that will impact the country and the futures of our young people without even bothering to ask them what they think, and it’s simply not good enough.”

Boy George’s poignant version of YMCA with greater emphasis on the lyrics within the verses, captures the angst and despair of young people, tempered with a message of hope.

Says Daniel Goodfellow, managing director, Be Counsel: “Campaigns like this work when there is substance underneath them. In that sense, this initiative signals a renewal for an organisation that has operated in Australia for over 150 years. We salute the bravery of YMCA in tackling the elephant in the room head on and embracing this song and all the powerful messages it contains.”

With this new version, the YMCA implores young people to speak up, and provides an online platform for Australia’s youth to contact the Government on the issues they’d like addressed. Young people are invited to visit whynot.org to send those in power a letter on the issue that matters most to them.

The ‘Why Not?’ campaign signifies a rebirth of the YMCA, currently known for “gyms and swims”, to an organisation dedicated to young people.

Agency: Be Counsel

Cinzia Marrocco Group Manager Corporate Strategy – YMCA Australia