On Monday 12th June, we made yLead History… AMP’D UP 2020 went live at 11am with over 2000 Year 9 Students from 112 Schools across ACT, NSW, NZ, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA! The 60 minute complimentary webinar included our three top tips to being an effective leader, a host of interactive activities and plenty of movement. Our team couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces the entire time and when the webinar came to a close we spent some time reflecting on our highlight moments of the experience and wanted to share them with you!
TIME TO TAKE ACTION – Committing to taking action…
This year, by harnessing the power of technology through AMP’D UP, we were able to reach a more diverse range of students than our previous conferences. It was incredible to see all of the schools that were able to join us, particularly through the energy they brought to the day (dance parties included). A major highlight was being able to see each student commit to a few actions following on from the conference. Their actions ranged from ‘try out for the school musical’ to ‘apply for class representative’ – each being a unique representation of the leader they would like to become. Seeing all of these actions being sent through in the chat was a reminder of the impact we can have as a united group of leaders.
– Lucy | IMPACT TEAM
TOGETHER HAS POWER – The value of empowering others…
At yLead one of our shared values is ‘Together Has Power’ – it acknowledges the moving parts of a team. Often in leadership we reflect on the success of an event/initiative and how the end product is something that many individuals have contributed their time, energy, ideas and skills into. When leaders learn the value of empowering others to work in alignment with their strengths and share responsibilities, it opens up the opportunity to achieve things you never thought possible. AMP’D UP was a milestone moment for us; it was a reminder of what we have learnt about transitioning our energy and experiences online, the growth of our facilitators, the intricate parts of an event behind the scenes, finding three unique ways to market an event and the sum of our parts. We are all so proud to work alongside each other every day creating experiences that empower young people.
– Bel | CEO
EDUCATING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW – Expanding our impact…
My highlight was seeing so many schools that we haven’t worked with before joining the zoom and having such a good time, it was great to see the energy that everyone brought to the webinar as well as the fun everyone was having. It was really special and a fantastic feeling knowing that our community could give back to so many schools and teachers who have put so much energy into educating the leaders of tomorrow!
– Matt | IMPACT TEAM
LEADERSHIP FOR ALL – Together we are stronger…
At yLead, we believe that when a young person is empowered they can really change the world. We also believe and KNOW that teachers are often one of the first people outside of a young person’s family that empower, support and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves – staying up late to draft assessments, helping a young person navigate their way throughout changing times, spending countless hours and dollars of their own money to make sure their students have the best chance of success. We love that our teachers believe in what we do and back us and their students 100%. At AMP’D UP we watched a teacher spend the entire webinar allowing all students in her classroom to learn what leadership can look like by using ASL (Australian Sign Language) to communicate with a child who was hard of hearing. Young people are powerful when given the opportunity and we thank every teacher that goes above and beyond for their students to make sure they all have access to the same opportunities, resources, and future.
– Zoe | REACH TEAM
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY – Appreciating your support…
During COVID yLead faced challenging circumstances. However, it was during these uncertain times that our community thrived and showed their support for yLead’s mission. During AMP’D UP, a highlight was seeing all the different schools on the video who have supported yLead during COVID, and who believe in the power of what yLead does and will back whatever event or program we put together. It was then great to see new schools who came together to create the diverse community of yLead.
– Amy | IMPACT TEAM
OPPORTUNITY – Interacting and connecting across Australia and New Zealand…
AMP’D UP was a great opportunity for students to interact and connect with other students and leaders from different states or even another country. When we were watching the screen, we could see close to 100 schools participating which roughly worked out to be more than 2000 students on one zoom meeting. For me, this was proof that no matter what the restrictions or circumstances are, we can still engage, learn and grow through virtual leadership experiences.
– Mitch | REACH TEAM
SEEING YOU SHINE – The impact of tapping someone on the shoulder…
My Grade 9 Form Teacher was one of the first people to believe in me in the realm of leadership. She tapped me on the shoulder and asked me some really tough questions which, at the time, really challenged me. Being a part of AMP’D UP prompted me to reflect on the way that my relationship with her shaped me as a leader, friend, daughter and sister in the past six years. I couldn’t help but smile thinking of how your Grade 9 students might feel knowing that you believe in them in a way that someone might not have before. I loved thinking of the prospect of where an opportunity like AMP’D UP could take them and I hope that in six years’ time, your students will look back and reflect on your influence as a role model for them. Shout out to Mrs Tetley-Jones, I loved seeing you on my screen!
– Izzy | REACH TEAM
Thank you for continuing to support us as we navigate our new normal, we look forward to seeing how your students implement their leadership learning in your communities.
