Ethan
Youth Assembly Member
Going into Queen’s University on Tuesday the 10th of February, I had no idea what to expect. However, INSPIRE NOW 2.0 is an experience which I will never forget!
The conference, run by Diverse Youth NI (DYNI), was a fantastic day with profoundly engaging topics and a powerful message that we, as young people, deserve the opportunity to have our voices heard.
Following a catch up and some laughs with the other Youth Assembly Members attending the conference, our “MC’s” made a start by welcoming all the attendees and introducing what the day had in store for us. We were also thrilled to speak to the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, who shared a short, impactful speech on how we as young people should continue to make a difference, which vividly set the empowering tone for the day.
We took the conference pledge, and following an award ceremony for some community sector organisations, we watched a short documentary on the themes of diversity and inclusion. I enjoyed the documentary, and thought its themes were incredibly important to discuss.
The keynote address from Professor Brandon Hamber of Ulster University was heartfelt and thought-provoking. He spoke on the correlation between youth and peacebuilding. I am part of the Health Committee within the Youth Assembly, and although his message linked strongly to our Rights and Equality Committee, I am sure I will be using his valuable experience and advice to help with future discussions amongst YAMS.
After a short break, we were straight back into the action, with five young people up in the hot seats for an interview as part of the ‘Youth Panel’. Each person’s testimony and opinions were very empowering. Even one of our YAMS, Logan, had the courage to take the stage and speak on behalf of the Youth Assembly. Upon returning to the Great Hall after our lunch, we watched a video about DYNI’s progress and activities since the first INSPIRE NOW Conference. We then heard from two legends representing the Peckham Soup Kitchen in London: Dean ‘Fos’ Foster and Junior Mohammed. Their stories were incredible, and I was shocked by all the extraordinary work that they have done for young people in their communities. Everyone who spoke at the conference was so confident and yet seemed so humble and down-to-earth.
The remainder of our time was spent in fun breakout workshops. This included a Game of Life parody all about Rights and Equality, a Gambling and Gaming Awareness talk by YGam, and a talk about Not Blaming the Victims, held by Raise Your Voice. To end our day, we heard some more empowering speeches from Funders and Stakeholders of DYNI, before our MC’s wrapped everything up and the conference closed with an exciting drumming performance.
I learned lots from INSPIRE NOW 2.0, and would like to thank DYNI, Queen’s University Staff, everyone who spoke at this event and the Youth Assembly Team for giving me the opportunity to attend this phenomenal event. I look forward to seeing what else our mandate as YAMS has in store for us!
