Join like minded friends and make an impact wherever you are.

Young Political Advocacy Training

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 for you. Now that most of the restrictions of 2020 are behind us, in 2021 we’re thrilled to include our traditional one-week residential program – now in its 12th year.

We promise….

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

You’ll receive bite sized pieces of truth, knowledge and insight that will equip, empower and inspire you to create a better world. You’ll make like minded friends and spend hours discussing your passions and goals over meals and activities.

This year’s program will take place in Brisbane, Queensland during the mid-year June / July university break (exact dates to be confirmed closer to the time).

Write your own personal message recommending YPAT which will be sent to the friend of your choosing on your behalf.

YPAT Residential: Join us in 2021!

DATES: YPAT Residential will run during the 2021 mid-year university break (June / July – exact dates TBC closer to the time).

LOCATION: This year, we’ll be up in Brisbane in sunny Queensland.

COST: Total cost for the week is $480 (actual running costs come to $1500+ per person, but we’ll cover the rest!)

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 and agree to respect the values of the Thomas More Centre.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: Fill out the following form. Keep an eye on your email inbox and once applications are open you’ll receive instructions around a longer application and interview (available over Zoom for those who are interstate).

Apply today & begin your YPAT journey!

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

“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.” – Meghan

FAQ's

The YPAT Experience (in person)

An immersive week

Spend one week living and learning with like-minded youth. Grow together and form life-long connections.

Access Australia's best

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.

Gain understanding and insight

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.

Activities & Excursions

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.

Fun & Memories

Movie nights, ‘Get-To-Know-You’ activities and the famous annual soccer game 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.

Designed for today's youth

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…..

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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.