Ypat

YPAT: One young man's story

Apply for the 2023 Ypat Residential

Ypat is an initiative of the Thomas More Centre.

Are you a young person aged between 18 – 30? Do you want to learn more about the political, social and institutional structures of the world? Do you want to learn what you can do make a difference, exactly where you are? 

Ypat is about the polis – that broad all encompassing social and cultural realm in which we all live and which is why there are such things as politics and policies

Ypat is about action and advocacy, but more than that it is about the reasons for such things and even the reasons why stillness and waiting and contemplation might be the most effective action.

Ypat is a week long immersion retreat into society and politics. A residential program where you’ll gain the knowledge, insight and some practical understanding of the cultural and political systems.

We promise….

* No long hours of reading or homework
* No boring lectures
* Hours of fun with new friends!

You’ll make like-minded friends and spend hours discussing your passions and goals over meals and activities.

Ypat, now in its 15th year, will take place 25 – 30th June 2023 at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Reserve your place with a $50 deposit.APPLY NOW!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DATES: Ypat Residential will run from 25 June to 30 June 2023.

LOCATION: College Residence near UQ, St Lucia, (Brisbane) Qld. Exact location provided upon offer of a place.

COST:  $480. Includes all activities, meals and accommodation.
There is the option available to pay via instalments.

AGE LIMIT: Ypat is open to any young person aged between 18 – 30, of any belief or background, as long as they are of good will and agree to respect the values of the Thomas More Centre.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

  1. Pay your fully refundable $50 Ypat deposit. Click here to complete this step.
  2. Click on the button below and fill out the application form for Ypat.
  3. Once your application is approved, pay the remaining $430 as per emailed instructions.

APPLY NOW!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My favourite thing about YPAT…“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

Everyone had the chance to listen to a talk catered to their individual interests. All the participants were open to talking about any political or cultural topic, which was amazing to experience. I strongly feel that I’ve made lasting friendships, and hope the same thing happens again next year.” – MeghanJoin the alert list

Why I loved YPAT…

Join the alert listSpend one week living and learning with like-minded youth. Grow together and form life-long connections.Access world class level speakers, including business professionals, social change advocates, academics and Members of Parliament. Spend time asking questions through small group sessions and one-on-one before and after talks.Step behind the scenes. Access an inside view to the institutions, traditions and history behind the world of today. Grasp the solutions to society’s problems. Learn what part YOU can play in creating a better future for Australia.Spend time in both classroom settings and focus groups. Practice formulating your thoughts to others. Deepen your understanding of issues as you hear from experts in the arenas of law, justice, politics, education and advocacy.

Enjoy an excursion to Parliament House alongside through workshops, lectures and practical activities.Movie nights, ‘Get-To-Know-You’ activities, games and trips ensure that YPAT will be an experience you’ll remember forever.

Late night chats around the campfire, coffee runs in the morning and travelling together on excursions are just some of the moments on offer. By the end of the week you won’t want to say goodbye!

But don’t worry. With regular reunions, networking and development opportunities to follow, you’ll be part of the YPAT family forever.Here at YPAT, we promise that your interest and understanding will grow throughout the week. When you leave, you will be equipped to take your place in the world in the arena to which you are called, whatever that may be.

Our Alumni share how YPAT impacted their lives…..Stay up to date

  • 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?

Join the alert listAre 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.

  1. You feel that you’re increasingly alone in your beliefs about society and culture.
  2. You find it difficult to articulate why you have certain values.
  3. You want to learn how YOU can utilise any position in life to make tangible cultural change. 
  4. You are unsure what to believe in the face of conflicting information about the best path forward for Australia.
  5. You are tired of signing petitions and want to make a difference you can see.
  6. You are worried about your professional and personal future in the face of an increasingly divided country.
  7. You want direct access to the leaders of today.
  8. You want to make friends with similar interests, perspectives and beliefs as yourself.
  9. You enjoy networking, new experiences, on-location action and late night talks.
  10. 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.

”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

Get alerted when applications openUse the button below to sponsor a young Australian to do the Ypat program.  You can choose from 3 options, a) to cover part of their fee, b) to fully cover their fee or c) to cover the full actual costs of one participant.Become a YPAT sponsor