Throughout the Victorian YMCA, and Ballarat is no exception, the concept of Youth and Community Development is one that forms the basis of much debate, what is it all about? How is it achieved? Where does the YMCA fit in? How can we help?

The Ballarat YMCA is serious about supporting Youth and Community Development in the Ballarat Region. As such, our aims in this area are as follows.

• To Enhance Youth Networks and opportunities for Young People.
• To be recognised as a major provider and support of quality youth and community programs.
• To link all membersof the community into other services offered by the YMCA.
• To provided opportunity for all people to grow in Body, Mind & Spirit.

The Ballarat YMCA has a variety of operations and initiatives that are specifically designed to meet our aims. The main way in which this is to be achieved is through the Youth Development Officer Program.

The role of the Ballarat YMCA Youth Development Officer is to develop Youth and Community programs that encourage all demographics with opportunities for development and participation with the YMCA. Key forms in which this will occur are through:

• Youth and Community Development including the effective development, design and delivery of programs.
• Involvement in local Community and Youth network.

• Youth Parliament
• UNO-Y Emerging Leaders                                     
• Adventure Camps                                                   
• Youth Connect Program
• Alleyway Arts Project
• Leadership program