What is YPAT?
YPAT builds its philosophy on the firm foundations of Christian Social Teaching, injecting fresh insight into the politics of today.
YPAT is open to young people of all or no faiths, as long as you are of goodwill.
Both the annual intensive one week residential program and shorter online courses are available.
ONLINE
Following the Covid19 pandemic, we set to work to create a unique online course so that you didn’t have to miss out on YPAT. It took place in June/July 2020 and was so successful that…. we’re holding it again!
Our next ‘YPAT Online’ experience will take place from 27 September – 2 October 2020. Apply below to reserve your place. Check out the video for a glimpse of what it will look like!
IN PERSON
Over one week, (next event happening in Brisbane, Queensland, June/July 2021 – exact dates TBC) participants attend talks from leading ethicists, journalists, politicians, historians, activists and academics, as well as practical workshops and excursions. All accommodation and meals are provided.
Reviews
“Meeting like-minded, talented people with an assumption that we were in a ‘safe space’ for discussion, but at the same time not being an echo chamber of people in ideological lockstep.” – James
“That I could actually talk about anything with everyone without instant anger and derision of my views. Anything I didn’t understand was immediately and happily explained to me.” – Emily
“Impressed by the quality of the program put together for the COVID lockdown… it would’ve been been easy to do nothing. Well done!” – Meghan
YPAT Online: Let's log in!
DATES: YPAT Online will run from Sunday 28 September – Friday 2 October 2020. Attend from anywhere in Australia!
HOW MUCH TIME: There’ll be three evening live events on the Sunday, Tuesday and Friday nights from 7:30 pm AEST. Apart from that, you’ll be sent 2 x short and sharp 5 – 10 minute videos each morning to view at any time convenient to you – along with study guides for those who like to consider topics more deeply.
COST: Total cost for YPAT Online comes to $39.95. In addition to the daily videos, live events and resources, all YPAT Alumni gain free membership to the Thomas More Centre – receiving ongoing resources, videos and podcasts designed to help them thrive in today’s culture.
AGE LIMIT: YPAT Online is open to any young person aged between 18 – 30, of any belief or background, as long as they are of good will.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS: Fill out the following form. Keep an eye on your email inbox and you’ll receive instructions for the next stage of the process. This generally consists of a longer application, reference check and on occasion an interview. Applications must be received by Monday 14 September.
The YPAT Experience (in person)
Apply Now
Expressions of Interest are open for YPAT 2020!
Have you had trouble sharing your Christian values?
Do you need to grow in confidence on key issues?
Do you sometimes struggle to explain your views?
Do you have limited contacts with similar views?
Do you want a safe environment to ask questions?
Do you want to gain knowledge of politics and don’t know where to go?
Do you need help clarifying what you can actually do to help society?
For parents
Is YPAT right for your son or daughter?
Are you a parent who is concerned about today’s culture? Do you want to see your university aged child grow in knowledge and be equipped to thrive in the world ahead of them?
Although church, educational and personal programs can be a good support to youth, a more in depth, practical and comprehensive approach is required to deliver a high level grasp of the problems facing today’s society, particularly for those of Judeo – Christian beliefs.
YPAT (Young Political Advocates Training) is your answer. One week with leading thinkers and professionals who are at the coalface of today’s cultural and political battles means that youth will come away with a comprehensive understanding of today’s political, social, cultural and economic challenges – and of how to hold true to their values whilst successfully forging a fulfilling career.
A Thank You Story
Considering sponsoring a young person to attend YPAT? You may find this young woman’s story of interest…
“I’m a 22 year old young woman from Queensland. I attended YPAT 2019 at Campion College, Sydney, thanks to the generous sponsorship of a number of donors. Attending YPAT has been one of the most beneficial experiences of my life so far. Before YPAT, I had limited interest in reading, literature, economics and the like. However, I can now safely say the list of books and articles I want to read and the knowledge I want to possess is unending. This is thanks to the very generous donors who sponsored and supported me. I cannot thank them enough.
The elements of YPAT that I enjoyed the most are as follows:
1. The People – It was refreshing and encouraging meeting so many like-minded, conservative, young individuals. Such people are very rare in this day and age. Having those individuals around me with whom I could discuss talks and lectures was one of the highlights of the program. These discussions included sharing my views and asking questions freely without fearing criticism from my peers.
2. The Content – Every talk was different which allowed me to walk into every talk with renewed enthusiasm and perspective. Each talk had a different lesson, focus and inspiration. I found them all very thought provoking. I especially enjoyed a talk on leadership which instructed us in ways to become the most effective leaders we can. This made me think: “If this is what makes a good leader – what qualities make a good follower/supporter?” I was able to ask this question and receive a detailed answer as it was such a small, intimate group of people.
3. The Lessons – YPAT opened my eyes to the advantage knowledge in these areas presents. I have spent most days after work reading articles in the News Weekly, Quadrant, The Australian etc. to further understand politics, government and our history. I now realise if we don’t know our history, we can’t understand the future. Thank you to all of my generous donors. I will never forget your kindness which has changed my life for the better.”
– YPAT Attendee 2019
Top Ten Reasons You Should Attend YPAT
Ten Reasons You Should Come to YPAT
- You feel that you’re increasingly alone in your beliefs about society and culture.
- You find it difficult to articulate why you have certain values.
- You want to learn how YOU can utilise any position in life to make tangible cultural change.
- You are unsure what to believe in the face of conflicting information about the best path forward for Australia.
- You are tired of signing petitions and want to make a difference you can see.
- You are worried about your professional and personal future in the face of an increasingly divided country.
- You want direct access to the leaders of today.
- You want to make friends with similar interests, perspectives and beliefs as yourself.
- You enjoy networking, new experiences, on-location action and late night talks.
- You’re keen for an insightful, action filled week with some of Australia’s greatest minds, along with fun, friends, socialising and the foundation of a successful and informed life.