2010 annual report Contents

Welcome Movement building

National Director letter 3 Movement building summary 18 Message from the Board 4 What people are saying 19 Vision and values 5 State by state 21 The year in highlights 6 Public engagement National Projects Online 23 Switched on Schools 7 Media 24 Climate Reality Week 8 Power Shift 9 Our People Election 11 Advocacy work 14 Partner groups 25 International 16 Staff and office volunteers 26 Volunteers by state 27 Supporters 28

» 2 Message from the National Director 2010 has been another year of intense growth and advertising kindly provided in-kind by Channel 10. impact for the AYCC as we challenged ourselves to Creative tactics like the Climate Elephant, one of do the impossible. ’s 2010 top ten political moments, captured national, local and regional press. The support of We delivered ambitious projects that engaged youth Graeme Wood was fundamental to this, with his across Australia. From Climate Reality Week, to investment underpinning our successful election Thousands of young people dedicated themselves Power Shift Summits, to our Federal election cam- campaign. to solving the climate crisis with the AYCC in 2010. paign, to our international advocacy, we delivered Thank you to our staff and volunteers – it has been beyond expectations. We will look back at 2010 as the time the AYCC very special to have the opportunity to work with so grew from an effective start-up to a fully-fledged many passionate, brilliant, caring people. Our movement has grown to 56,000 members – a organisation and movement. However as we’ve 12% rise from 2009. 36 new regional AYCC groups, grown we’ve maintained our responsiveness, flex- However despite our achievements our mission is increased online capacity, and intensive training of ibility and inclusive decision-making. as relevant as ever. A price-tag on pollution is criti- young organisers have set the foundations for rapid cal, and we will work hard for legislation that cuts future growth. Core investment provided by the Purves Environ- pollution and rapidly transforms our economy to mental Fund, the Mullum Foundation, Vodafone clean energy. The voices of our movement were heard in Can- Foundation, Danny Mathews, Colin Brown, Clive berra by politicians of all stripes. Our influence was Hamilton and Australian Ethical Investment has This is my last year as National Director of the recognised by the AYCC’s inclusion in the Mutli- enabled the AYCC to grow exponentially through AYCC as I leave the role and step onto the Board. party Climate Change Committee Roundtable. 2010. It has allowed us to consolidate our organi- I leave with absolute confidence the AYCC in 2011 sational foundations, including our financial, gover- will be stronger than ever with a brilliant leadership Throughout the year we reached millions through nance and employment structures to support our team, stable funding and solid governance. our continued media presence and advertising kind- continued growth. ly provided in-kind by Channel 10. Creative tactics It is a pleasure to present to you our Annual Report like the Climate Elephant, one of The Age’s 2010 The Climate Institute in Sydney and Greenfleet in for 2010. top ten political moments, captured national, local Melbourne kindly provided office space during and regional press. Throughout the year we reached 2010, and in each case these spaces have ampli- Warmest regards millions through our continued media presence and fied our impact.

Amanda McKenzie National Director » 3 Message from the Board In early 2010, the new board members In 2010 we also strengthened our fi- drove AYCC to new heights, and we of the Australian Youth Climate Coali- nancial and legal position, thanks to the are incredibly grateful that she will be tion gathered at our Sydney Head- perseverance of our book-keeper Jenny joining the board and remaining a key quarters with a large whiteboard and a Recio, our tireless Treasurer Lisa Lewin, player in the AYCC family. room full of ideas. our pro bono auditors PKF, and our pro bono lawyers Baker & McKenzie. After overseeing a long and extremely We discussed strategy, budgets, thorough recruitment process for governance, risk management, the As with most people who come into the new National Director, as a upcoming transition process, and the AYCC’s orbit, our board members board we couldn’t be happier to how to manage an organisation that went above and beyond in 2010. From be welcoming Ellen Sandell into has grown so large and effective, so dressing up in elephant costumes, the role. Ellen is one of Australia’s quickly. These are challenges that the spending weeks creating a new chart most talented campaigners, and board in 2010 has grappled with, and of accounts and preparing audit files, has been a core part of AYCC met, with enthusiasm, creativity and interviewing candidates for the National since our first delegation to the United hard work. Director position, attending funding Nations climate talks back in 2007. pitches, organising AGMs and more, as 2010 was a year of both growth and Chair I’d like to thank the Board from We are hopeful that 2011 will finally consolidation for the AYCC. We grew the bottom of my heart. Lisa, Nick A, bring an effective price on pollution in our volunteer base, staff numbers, me- Nick M, Dan & Ilona: your commitment Australia. We’re proud to be part of dia presence and most importantly our never wavered - even through challeng- such an inspiring organisation dedicat- impact. The Climate Elephant melted ing moments and 7am meetings. ed to preserving clean air, clean water, hearts across Australia, with even clean soil and a safe climate for our Prime Minister Julia Gillard agreeing to As the year draws to a close, we pre- generation and those to come. a private meeting. Three Power Shift pare to farewell Amanda as National summits took Adelaide, Canberra and Director. Amanda’s passion, vision, Geelong by storm. insight and professionalism constantly

Anna Rose Chair of the Board » 4 How are we different? We are about solutions Our mission is to create a world in which cli- mate change does not threaten the future of Vision & Values young Australians – a world in which AYCC wouldn’t need to exist.

Unifying: We are bringing together our generation to create a We meaningfully involve youth movement that is connected, compassionate, open and diverse. At every level AYCC is led by young people, making us one of Australia’s few examples of an entirely youth-run organisation.

Committed: We are a movement of passionate and ethical individuals. We achieve a lot with little We are courageous, hardworking and committed to creating a just and With a budget incomparable to larger environ- sustainable world. ment groups, we pull together campaigns that are professional in execution and large in impact.

We’re innovative and fresh Our campaigns are fresh. They catch the hearts Impactful: We are committed to achieving the short-term political change of the nation, the eyes of the media, and the that we need to address the climate crisis. Our nimbleness and creativity ears of politicians. allows us to maximise our political impact. We are efficient and responsive We keep our organisation free of burdensome bureaucracy so we can be nimble, effective and Optimistic: In creating a youth movement we are creating a movement reactive in a political and social environment that is constantly changing. that is inherently innovative, vibrant and positive. We are the voice of our generation What unifies us is stronger than what divides us. We are the generation committed to ensur- ing a safe climate future for not just ourselves but also all of those who will follow in our wake. » 5 2010 Highlights

» O-weeks » Grassroots strategy and university retreat » National volunteer » Climate Reality » Monthly Donor » Volunteers engagement training camp Week program launched participate in advocacy day at » Meeting with Parliament House National Curriculum board

» Powershift » Training camps in Ar- Adelaide » Powershift Geelong » Training camps in » Training camps in midale and Wollongong » F-14 grassroots Melbourne, Sydney, Lismore, Sydney and campaign » Powershift Adelaide, Canberra Byron Bay » Australian Youth Canberra Brisbane Delegation attends UN » Advocacy day at » Training camp in » Federal Election Parliament House » AYCC meets with Sydney campaign Julia Gillard » Climate Champions » Grassroots » VIC election campaign Challenge launched leadership retreat » AYCC joins PM Gillard’s NGO roundtable » 6 National Projects: Switched on Schools

The AYCC’s Switched on Schools program Through the Switched on Schools program, trainings, Canberra Advocacy Days and volun- educates young people about climate change the AYCC provided unique peer-to-peer edu- teer opportunities. and empowers them to be part of the solu- cation, and the opportunity for active and tion. We provide support and inspiration for concerned young people to connect with like- young people to implement real solutions in minded individuals. their schools, be part of AYCC campaigns and develop as leaders within their school commu- In 2010, Switched On Schools focused on nity, beginning the journey to becoming social developing young leaders and getting stu- change makers. dents active on climate change. This was made possible by developing School Teams in In 2010, Switched On Schools reached over each state that mentored students, gave them 100 schools across Australia, with young lead- strategies and skills to run campaigns in their ers giving inspirational speeches, educating schools, networked young leaders to support students on climate science and solutions, inter-school climate networks and bring in- facilitating climate debates and running work- novative AYCC campaigns to schools – such shops including: Climate Change and Biodi- as Climate Reality Week and Power Shift. versity; Starting a School Environment Group; These School Teams facilitate school students Communicating Climate Change; Youth Action to get more active in their local youth climate on Climate Change and Theories of Change. network by providing pathways to additional Knowledge is power: AYCC reaches out to school students.

» 7 Climate Reality Week

As climate sceptics toured Australia in early The winners were: (over 18s) The University 2010, young people got out in their communi- of Melbourne group who held several events ties to dispel climate myths in a national AYCC on campus and threw a large ‘beach party’ competition. Using creative actions, media on Princes Bridge in Melbourne; (under 18s) and climate presentations, hundreds of young A Melbourne school students group who held people sent a strong message to Australia: up a CRW banner at the MCG during an AFL The Climate is Changing: We Can’t Escape match and postered and stickered all over Reality. Melbourne CBD.

Entries included: AYCC staff delivered over 20 presentations in • Banner drop at the MCG during a football schools and universities during Climate Reality match Week and volunteers organised and delivered • Putting stickers with the slogan across cities many more, enabling us to educate our com- • Banner drop over a bridge on Swanston munities about the most recent climate sci- Street, Melbourne ence and solutions. We also reached the wider • A flash-mob dance in Launceston mall community with a prime-time Channel 10 ad • Videos made and shown at universities, and national media coverage, including: schools and all over YouTube • Glow stick signs in the sand at public Radio: Triple J news, Hack, Light FM, SYN beaches FM, 3CR Community Radio, Adelaide:, Ra- • Public debate on campus at the University dio Adelaide, ABC Adelaide, 5AA, Canberra:, of 2CC, ABC Canberra, East Side Radio. Print/ • A street theatre production in Rundall Mall, online: National Times, The Drum, mX, The Age, Adelaide, involving melting ice caps and Melbourne Leader, The Hobart Mercury, The polar bears to educate and entertain Canberra Times, Clean Energy for Eternity, The Sydney Morning Herald TV: Channel 31, WIN TV

Sign of the times: AYCC volunteers warn onlookers of climate danger ahead. » 8 Power Shift

In July and August 2010, the AYCC ran three youth climate summits to connect, educate and inspire young people to act on climate change.

They were held in politically strategic areas on the three weekends leading up to the Federal Election: the perfect opportunity to show our leaders that young people want strong leader- ship on climate change.

Over 500 people attended these summits in Adelaide, Canberra and Geelong, which in- cluded: • inspiring speakers • hands on workshops on how to take action on climate change, how to communicate climate science, and more • campaign training learnt from the Obama campaign • panels with candidates for the Federal Election, from all major political parties • social activities • a cheeky media action in the main street of town, with young people ‘drumming up support’ for climate action and handing out our election climate scorecards Drumming up support: Power Shift participants getDrumming musical up forsupport climate for change.climate action at Power Shift. » 9 Power Shift made me realise that I am part of a movement that grows through each person inspiring each other. It is growing to a point where it is now unstoppable. Power Shift “ – Linsey, Power Shift participant, Canberra Through these activities, participants learnt • Senator Nick Xenophon, as well as various how to creatively communicate and act on politicians and election candidates in each climate change. area • John Connor, CEO of The Climate Institute High profile speakers included: And many, many more. • Professor John Thwaites - former premier of After the Power Shift summits, participants • Dan Adams - organiser of the Make Poverty went on to start climate action groups in their History concerts and 2008 Young Victorian of schools and universities, and to organise the Year for AYCC’s election campaign. • Claire Hooper - Good News Week pre- senter and comedian • Mark Diesendorf - expert in re- newable energy from UNSW • David Karoly - Nobel Peace Prize winner for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change • Arron Wood, 2008 Environ- mentalist of the Year • Tanya Ha, writer and presenter of SBS ‘Eco-Home Challenge’ • Simon Sheikh, National Direc- tor of online advocacy group GetUp!

Power Takingin numbers: it to Powerthe street: Shift participantsPower Shift participantstake their message get out to into the thestreet. community. »» 10 Federal Election

In the lead up to the 2010 Federal Election, the AYCC delivered its largest and most ambitious project to date – a non-partisan campaign that captured the attention of voters, politicians and the media and propelled climate change onto the political agenda.

The campaign focused on three Senate races – Victoria, and the ACT – and five marginal lower-house seats, but also ex- tended to other electorates.

The multi-faceted campaign made use of a variety of tactics tailored to our different audi- ences, including Digital Doorknocking, banner drops, face-to-face voter engagement, and media and online campaigning.

The Climate Elephant

One of the stars of the AYCC’s election cam- paign was the Climate Elephant – the persistent and sometimes cheeky pachyderm who popped up everywhere on the campaign trail that Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard happened to be.

Superheroes: AYCC Victoria volunteers get ready for a day of super door knocking during the election. » 11 As journalists and TV crews set up for Gillard’s press conference inside, the Climate Elephant – the engaging campaign show-stopper dreamed up by the Australian Youth Climate Change Coalition – appeared outside “ – 21/8, Australian Financial Review Described by The Age as a ‘minor celebrity’ 165 volunteers had real, one-on-one conver- and one of 2010’s ‘top ten political moments’, sations with thousands of voters through the Climate Elephant reached millions through email, phone, Facebook and Twitter. Con- national media coverage. Made possible by tent shared through social media sites dozens of volunteers crisscrossing the coun- also resulted in tens of thousands of young try, the campaign provided an ever-present people directly viewing AYCC campaign con- reminder that climate change could no longer tent online. be the elephant in the room. Nag your Nan The Climate Elephant was acknowledged by many political candidates, but perhaps none “Nag your Nan” or “Pester your more so than the Prime Minister. Ms Gillard’s Pop” was another innovative recognition of the AYCC mascot escalated grassroots campaign. Thousands from a pat on the head, to a hug, to a personal of participants “nagged their nan” invitation extended to meet with her post- or “pestered their pop” to vote election – an invitation the Climate Elephant for their future in the election. and the AYCC was more than happy to follow The campaign was profiled in up. both Australian and international media, and featured on online Digital door-knocking marketing site Mumbrella.

AYCC brought door-knocking into the 21st Banner drops century with an innovative new approach – ‘digital door-knocking’. In eight digital door- In the lead up to the election, knocking events organised around the country, volunteers in Melbourne and Ad-

Superstar: The Climate Elephant joined volunteers to hand out our » 12 elaide dropped banners from some of the cards and talking to passers by about rising most viewed bridges in each city prior to the sea level, climate change and the election. election, resulting in 8,000 views in Adelaide 40,000 in Melbourne. The banners were an In Melbourne, AYCC ‘super heroes’ door- effective reminder for voters driving to work knocked throughout the inner city, highlight- to keep climate change in mind at the polling ing the power of each individual vote. In Mel- booth. bourne another group of volunteers dressed as climate elephants staged a flash dance in Face-to-face voter engagement Federation Square.

Armed with the AYCC Election Scorecard that In the Adelaide electorate of Sturt, volunteers evaluated the parties’ climate policies and had hundreds of conversations with voters encouraged voters to Power Vote, AYCC vol- encouraging them to write why they cared unteers had thousands of conversations with about climate change on a large colourful voters in key locations before and on Elec- banner at Norwood Mall. Another group had tion Day. AYCC volunteers had approximately 200 conversations with voters at Central 14,000 one-on-one conversations with voters, Adelaide Market with a climate elephant in and the Scorecard reached well over 100,000 tow. Climate Champion Cheerleaders attended people. a local soccer game in Canberra, chatting to 50 voters. When AYCC volunteers hit the streets with the Scorecard, they got the message out with On Election Day itself, volunteers handed out creative flair. A beach party in central Sydney tens of thousands of AYCC Score Cards. Ap- created a stir and sparked media interest, with proximately 200 volunteers covered 51 key beach-goers handing out hundreds of score- voting booths and had thousands of conversa- tions with voters.

» 13 High impact: Kirsty, Fabia and Amanda meet Prime Advocacy: Meeting the Prime Minister Minister Gillard.

The AYCC focused on a significant program of in the most important room in the country. Amanda McKenzie from the advocacy in 2011. Some highlights include: After a quick media flurry we sat down with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition Prime Minister to present her with messages reminded us that in 2050 their Meeting the Prime Minister from youth around the country and our Five On election eve the Prime Minister promised Youth Priorities on Climate Change. We “membership will be the average to meet the Climate Elephant for a “chat and impressed on the PM the rapid growth and age of Australian Parliamentarians. rising political clout of the youth movement on a cuddle”. Two months later, and after a quick It is important to remember that twitter campaign with hundreds of AYCC climate change, as well as discussing two of members tweeting for the PM to set a date, the AYCC’s priorities – a price-tag on pollution climate change will have an even she did – the 25th of November. and sustainability education. greater impact on today’s young adults and children than it will on Our Elephant walked through the Ministerial En- NGO Roundtable trance of Parliament House and straight to the The AYCC was invited to participate in the us. So it’s vital they have a voice. PM’s office while staffers, lobbyists and politi- Multi-party climate change committee – NGO – Linda Selvey, CEO Greenpeace cians stopped to stare. Finally the Elephant was Roundtable by the Federal Government. writing about the Roundtable.

» 14 I had a fantastic time and I learnt so much about how to share my concerns about climate change to our politicians Canberra lobby day “ – John Swan, 14, Adelaide.

In October 2010, the AYCC sponsored 30 Advocates presented a 5 point policy platform Our presence in Parliament had a strong im- young people to travel to Canberra to meet ‘5 Point Plan of Youth Priorities’. The document pact on not only the politicians we met with, with over 50 politicians. Our young advocates called for climate policy framed with young peo- but with other members of Parliament as well. met with ALP, Coalition, Greens and Indepen- ple in mind; science based emissions reduction Our volunteers were quoted in speech to the dent politicians. They discussed the impor- targets; sustainability in our education system; a House by Melissa Parke, Member for Fre- tance of strong climate action in the next term price tag on pollution; and an increase in renew- mantle (Hansard 1:59pm 27 October) and in of government, and the importance of the able energy. The AYCC was the first community a speech by Mike Symon, ALP Member for youth voice in this debate. group that came to Canberra after the election Deakin, and our policy asks communicated to to advocate a price on carbon. the Prime Minister by various Ministers and Some of the politicians we held backbenchers. meetings with included Min- ister for Climate Change Greg The impact of our advocacy was felt not only Combet, Shadow Minister for in Parliament but around Australia as well. Par- Climate Change Greg Hunt, ticipants were joined by the AYCC’s Climate Parliamentary Secretary for Change Elephant for a press conference. The Climate Change Mark Dreyfus, Press conference was attended by journalists Independents Rob Oakeshott and from Fairfax, News Ltd and Climate Change Andrew Wilkie and Greens MP Minister Greg Combet, and was covered by Adam Bandt. ABC online, ABC Canberra and 2GB. Many of our young advocates were also featured in lo- cal media stories. Convincing: Amanda McKenzie makes the case for a strong price It was phenomenal seeing the impact of AYCC’s on pollution to Minister visit to Parliament House, all sides of politics Combet . listened attentively to our calls to action “ – Rufus Coffield-Feith, 19, Melbourne » 15 International: UN climate talks in Mexico The AYCC is part of an international youth 1. Strengthened the international youth climate 3. Fed back information on the progress of the climate movement that spans the globe. We’ve movement through organising the 3-day Con- climate talks to our 56,000 members through sent youth delegations to UN climate negotia- ference of Youth prior to the UN climate talks, videos and blogs. tions in Bali 2007, Poland 2008, Copenhagen which was attended by over 400 youth 2009 and Mexico 2010. from every region of the world. 4. Organised creative and colourful actions to bring home our message at the conference In December 2010 we sent a team of 14 youth 2. Met with Greg Combet, the new Minister for and in the media. leaders (including two Indigenous delegates) Climate Change, as well as Australian Govern- to attend the climate talks in Cancun. We also ment negotiators, to ensure the youth voice 5. Our indigenous delegates worked with fundraised to help send three young people was heard. the indigenous caucus and governments from Pacific Islands, as this area is particularly to ensure the concerns and interests of vulnerable to the impacts of climate change indigenous communities were taken into and we have a responsibility to ensure our Pa- account. cific Island neighbours have their voices heard. Negotiators: Team AYCC met with Minis- ter Combet at the UN climate talks to talk about what we wanted to see Aus- 6. Filmed and distributed inspiring video At the UN we want to see a fair, ambitious and tralia achieve at the negotiations. content on the role of the international binding treaty: one that will ensure a safe cli- youth climate movement and positive mate future for our generation. Young stories of climate action from around the people have a pivotal role to world. play in reaching this goal internationally, and while in 7. Networked and skill-shared Mexico the AYCC achieved with young climate lead- the following: ers from all across the world.

» 16 International Outreach PACIFIC NETWORKING November 2010 saw AYCC actively engaged with British Council Climate Generation’s Leadership Workshop young leaders from across the Pacific, taking part in a Fiji-based youth forum run by Econesia, the United By AYCC volunteer communities, and were involved in Nations Environment Program, the Pacific Youth Environment Network and the University of the South Jem Bamford projects including youth mobilisation, adaptation education, sustainable en- Pacific. Approximately 17 young people from across gineering businesses, and waste recy- the Pacific and Australia came together for four days From 22-26 November, cling for fashion. of networking, skills-sharing and practical engage- I attended the British ment in a rural climate change adaptation project. Council Climate Genera- We spent the week sharing ideas, de- tion’s Leadership Workshop in Hanoi, veloping skills and forming networks. Based in a village experiencing the affects of rising Vietnam. The Workshop topic was I participated in facilitating sessions, sea level, participants saw the challenges confront- “Developing Climate Solutions: Entre- and creating interview videos to be ing rural communities in the face of climate change. preneurial approaches to addressing screened at COP16, and for the British climate challenges and opportunities”, Council’s Climate Generation. Since the AYCC played a strong role in the Fiji forum, facilitat- and covered topics including project workshop, we’ve been maintaining the ing discussion on the role of young people in sustain- management, stakeholder engage- networks we developed between youth able community development and decision-making. ment, social media, and keys to net- mobilising project coordinators, and cre- We also drew on our expertise in training and project working. ating a resource bank to aid burgeoning management to lead discussions on project planning groups learn how to make maximum and effective community engagement. 30 young delegates were chosen from impact in their countries. Our goal is six countries across South East Asia to strengthen the international climate The emergence of strong networks between the (Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thai- movement, and enable national climate AYCC and other young leaders from around the land, Vietnam and Australia) for their groups to work together in the future on Pacific was a strong result to take from the confer- demonstrated innovation and dedica- global platforms, and present a united ence. The AYCC and the Pacific youth environmen- tion to climate solutions in their local youth voice on climate change. tal organisation Econesia, are looking forward to working together in the future.

» 17 Movement Building

In 2010 we have had rapid growth in our move- ing theories of change and leadership skills. where we reflected on our learnings in grassroots ment and focussed on building a strong State- organising and shared best practice ideas to based network of young leaders to facilitate Our State-based volunteer networks are commit- develop a grassroots plan for 2011. future growth. We achieved this by investing in ted to building the movement in their area. building the leadership skills and experience of They do this by having a strong team of com- young leaders, running fifteen intensive train- mitted coordinators that meet regularly and sup- ings across the country and developing con- port their local movement in: organising national nected State coordination teams. campaigns and local events for people to get Building involved in; actively outreaching to schools and change: AYCC In 2010, we trained over 1000 universities; fostering a culture that is innovative, volunteers young people, including in open, passionate and connected; and providing erect a clear opportunities for people to get involved. symbolic Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, windmill. Sydney, Brisbane, Port Macquarie, During 2010 we had a number of state-based Armidale and Geelong. intensive trainings that built up the leadership group in each location. Our trainings are suc- In February, we held a four-day National Train- cessful at building strong volunteer groups as ing Camp with forty young leaders from South they focus on inspiring and motivating young Australia, Victoria, NSW, ACT and . people, giving them the skills they need to take They then went back into their communities and action, connecting them with passionate young started organising people for Climate Reality people from their area, creating opportunities Week, which formed the basis of our State-based for shared experience and relationship building, volunteer network in each of these locations. The and providing clear pathways to action. Training Camp developed a range of skills includ- ing political strategy, media, communicating cli- In December, we brought State coordinators mate change, managing volunteers, understand- together for a Grassroots Leadership Retreat

» 18 AYCC represents the leading edge of youth led social change keeping “ focussed attention on one of the central issues of our time with immeasurable amounts of sheer tenacity, courage and passion. Long may it be so! Thank you for your extraordinary and innovative work AYCC and congratulations on another enormously successful year! – Jan Owen, CEO Foundation for Young Australians

I love being part of the AYCC. I have never volunteered for an organisation before where “ young people are given so much autonomy – Steve, AYCC volunteer

» 19 The Australian Youth Climate Coalition is a leading light in youth engagement, training and climate change advocacy. The AYCC “ utilises the passion, drive and determina- tion of youth to develop an effective gen- eration-wide movement tackling climate change, playing an integral role in Austra- lia’s transition to a low-carbon future. I am continually impressed by AYCC and its strategic use of grassroots action coupled with high level advocacy to affect change. – Tim Flannery, Author

Our movement is made up of social change makers who are engaging with and motivated by the issues surrounding catastrophic climate change. Every day we get to experience the ingenuity, passion and “ connectedness of our generation. Our movement is, at its core, an optimistic one – focussed on the positive solutions and vision for the world we can create.

– Kirsty Albion, National Volunteer Director

The sky’s the limit: Team AYCC reaches for the stars. » 20 State by State

2010 was a huge year for our state groups. cated group of young volunteers that support The NSW AYCC team invested a great deal Here are the on-the-ground updates from our young leaders in schools across Victoria and of time in skilling up our volunteers this year. State Coordinators. volunteers in every major university. We held eight training days to engage new volunteers and to equip old volunteers with Victoria This is the most kind, the skills to effectively communicate climate The Victorian AYCC group grew rapidly in science, talk to the media, deliver speeches 2010, with hundreds of young people par- inspirational organisation and design campaigns as well as theoretical ticipating in AYCC activities through the year. that is open to everyone training around how to make strategic Melbourne has become a hub of bright, cre- with such a genuine decisions and theories of change. The NSW ative and committed young leaders that regu- purpose that I have ever AYCC team participated in the Canberra larly run activities for AYCC campaigns and “ Power Shift, Climate Reality Week, the support the National AYCC Office. met. Election Campaign and carried out eight - Jet, volunteer, Hobart training days. A highlight for 2010 was recruiting 250 young people for Geelong Power Shift and organising NSW Queensland them in the Federal Election. AYCC Victoria had The NSW AYCC team has had an amazing AYCC-Brisbane was founded in May 2010, and dozens of banner drops, two Digital Doorknock- 2010 – with huge growth of our volunteer base by July the group had already grown a core ing Parties, an Elephant Flashdance, creative and many successful projects. With repre- team of 13 volunteers in structured roles, able to Power Vote actions, Super Hero Doorknocking sentatives from all the major universities in run our Federal Election campaign. During this and over twenty election booths covered in the Sydney, schools groups popping up by the campaign, the Brisbane group ran events such marginal seats of Melbourne and Corangamite. handful, AYCC groups starting up from the In- as Digital Doorknocking, leafletting of election The organisers then went on to plan their own ner West Sydney to Wollongong, Newcastle to scorecards in malls and universities, actions at Victorian State Election campaign. Armidale, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay Walk Against Warming and the Labor Campaign to the Blue Mountains - the NSW AYCC team launch, participated in the Elephant Campaign, At the end of 2010, AYCC Victoria established is strengthening in both numbers and in strate- and covered two booths in marginal electorates the Victorian Leadership Team which is a dedi- gic direction. on Federal Election day.

» 21 AYCC-Brisbane has also held banner drops dreds of regular volunteers. The SA AYCC has in key locations to raise awareness for public AYCC Perth is a diverse group of passion- engaged their community and media through transport, and over the course of the past six ate and switched-on young people who have creative actions like Melting Icebergs, ‘Climate months this burgeoning group has mobilised come together in late 2010, and are bringing Danger Ahead’ Road Signs, Dance-offs and volunteers across Brisbane and reached hun- the AYCC to Western Australia. The group is Positivity Post-its. Power Shift Adelaide was a dreds of voters. doing their first recruitment drive, and have a huge moment for AYCC SA – inspiring and mo- number of exciting projects planned for 2011. bilising hundreds of young people. This led to an ACT enthusiastic participation in the Federal Election The AYCC’s Canberra group has grown to Tasmania Campaign, with two Digital Doorknocking Par- have a formidable presence in the ACT. They School-aged volunteers in Hobart and Launces- ties, creative actions nearly every day, Climate started 2010 with a gigantic Climate Reality ton started Tasmanian AYCC groups in 2010. Elephant appearances and election day booths. Week campaign – engaging hundreds of school These groups have mobilised hundreds of young students in a human sign saying “Climate people to carry out a range of activities includ- After the Election Campaign, AYCC SA focused Change: It’s Real”. Over the year, AYCC ACT ing a Climate Reality Week scientists action in on developing volunteer skills, structure and has deepened their relationship with school and Launceston Mall, bringing a delegation to Power roles through Strategy Days and a Leadership university students and in August they mobilised Shift Geelong, Federal Election campaigning in Retreat; a Harry Potter hundreds of young people for Canberra Power key electorates and an inter-schools training. film fundraiser; and F14: Shift. During the Federal Election Campaign they fourteen days of activism coinciding with the held two well-attended Digital Doorknocking South Australia Parties, Climate Elephant appearances, Walk UN Climate 2010 was a big year for grassroots activity in Conference. Against Warming and covered eight election South Australia and has created a powerful booths. During the UN Climate Talks, volunteers foundation for years to come. From training two in Canberra did banner drops, a creative co-directors at the National Training Camp in transport action and sent photos of local February, the group has grown astonishingly to residents’ messages to the UN. a dedicated team of 30 volunteers, with hun-

Imagination: A volunteer takes some time to think during an AYCC training day. » 22 Far from going unnoticed, a herd of protesters dressed as elephants have brought attention to the issue that neither leader wants to mention. Public Engagement: Media “ The Australian, 17/8/2010 In 2010 the AYCC spoke to millions of Australians through the media. Our fresh campaigns saw us punch well above our weight in the mainstream press, gaining widespread coverage that delivered clear, creative and positive political messages. Our innovative communication strategies were the key to our far-reaching media presence in 2010. Through social media and online actions, we were able to generate and distribute some of our most successful stories far more effectively than a traditional approach would have allowed. AYCC campaigns were featured in all major national outlets including The Australian, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times, Triple J, Channel 10’s the 7pm Project, ABC’s Radio National and ABC’s Lateline, in addition to countless state-wide newspapers, television stations and radio stations. Opinion pieces written by both AYCC staff and volunteers appeared in outlets including the National Times, Crikey, New Matilda, Punch, Climate Spectator and Online Opinion. 2010 also saw many local media stories featuring AYCC volunteers from across the country, and profiles of our leaders in magazines including Cleo, Good Weekend and Cosmopolitan.

Making headlines: In 2010 AYCC was covered in every major Australian news outlet. » 23 @ClimateElephant If I win you have a standing invitation to come meet with me in Parliament House for a chat and a cuddle. JG #ausvotes AYCC Online “ – Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Twitter 20/08/10 2010 was a year of growth for the AYCC on- digital capacity through training staff, interns • Raised thousands of dollars in 2010 con- line. At the start of the year we created a new and volunteers. tributing to the financial goals of the AYCC. position - Online Communications Director - to spearhead new development and innovation of • We worked with a digital consultant and • Grew all of our online communities by be- our digital tools to better serve our expanding user experience expert to develop a new tween 12% and 270%. member base. digital strategy

Throughout the year we worked constantly • Undertook a two-phase website redevel- to promote the AYCC brand online, foster opment that will finish in January 2011 and grow communities of young activists that addressed capacity and infrastructure online and to move our users from online problems by re-skinning the Wordpress engagement to offline engagement. We also software to an easy to use, tailored, con- sought to increase our tent management system

• Integrated social media into the site to build our online communities.

• Developed a resources section that will promote education of young people.

• Mobilised the AYCC online database to support offline campaigns like Power Vote and the viral Climate Elephant Twitter and Visualising the movement: In 2010 we YouTube campaign. developed an interactive Google Map API that maps our people.

Plugged in: AYCC media volunteer Lucy edits a video blog to go on the website. » 24 Our People: Partner Groups The Australian Youth Climate Coalition has col- AYCC’s Partner Groups laborated with its 21 partner organisations in a variety of ways throughout 2010. We welcome Affinity, AIESEC, Australian Medical Student our new partners the Australian Law Students Association (AMSA) Australian Law Student Association, the Australian Youth Food Move- Association (ALSA), Australian Student En- ment and Australian Young Christian Students. vironment Network, Australian Youth Affairs The AYCC worked with its partners to cross Coalition (AYAC), Centre for Sustainability promote a range of events and opportunities. Leadership (CSL), Engineers without Borders, This collaboration contributed to the success International Young Professionals Foundation of the Adelaide, Geelong and Canberra ‘Pow- (IYPF), Just Act, Youth Food Movement, Law ershifts 2010’ and the magnitude of the Elec- Students for a Just Community (LSJC), Na- tion Campaign. tional Indigenous Youth Movement of Australia (NIYMA), National Union of Students (NUS), Partner organisations assisted the AYCC’s The Oak Tree Foundation, Oz Green, Sai Youth ‘Green Our Curriculum’ campaign by signing (Multi-Faith Youth Network), Student Organ- on to a joint statement that emphasised the ised Network for Architecture (SONA), The importance of sustainability in the new national Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustain- curriculum. The foundations of our relation- ability, The United Nations Youth Association ships with partner organisations are strong of Australia (UNYA), Vision Generation and revolve around the benefits of having the opportunity to develop relationships, network, share resources and support each other in our strategic endeavours. We look forward to con- Collaboration: tinuing the special relationship we have with all AYCC brings people of our partner groups in 2011. together around the issue of climate change.

» 25 Staff and Office Volunteers Core team Fundraising Dan Tu-Hoa Amanda McKenzie Emily Lawrence Lisa Lewin Ellen Sandell Lozzie Petch Ilona Millar Kirsty Albion Jamie Parsons Claire Snyder Rebecca Kerley Bookkeeper Fabia Pryor Jenny Recio Policy Grassroots Jane Stabb State Leaders Lisa Caripis Nathan Atterton Rufus Coffeild-Feith Jem Bamford Milo Dodd Viv Benjamin School Joel Dignam Linh Do Advocacy Heather Bruer Ahri Tallon Ahri Tallon Online Chloe Aldenhoven Sophie Trevitt Morgan Goodwin Gemma Borgo- Cam Suttie Media Caratti Bee Flaherty Lucy Manne Arthur Cheung Sen Garcia Vicki Smith Sean Kelly Kate Allan Shannon Lawton Sasha Hunt Julia Carpenter Andrew Mellody Charlie Wood Nerida Lennon Daniel Simons Roman Zethoven Rohan Porteous Navina Smith Linsey Cole Andrew Rainbow Basha Stasak Power Shift Nick Taylor Alicia Crawford Board Sophie Fisher Sam Miller Anna Rose Maggie Abrahams High energy: Jane, Claire and Fabia on an AYCC strategy retreat. Danae Goiser Nick Moraitis Mia Donnet-Jones Nick Allardice

» 26 Volunteers by State Western Australia South Australia Basha Stasak,Braden Hill, Broch Cleminson, Dan Stone, Amy Hall, An Ngo, Angela Jones, Ben Nielsen, Bene- Kate Forrest, Lia Ursich, Nick Taylor, Sandy Chambers, dicte O’Leary Rutherford, Bianca Carbone, Daniel Tristan Haberley Spencer, Daniel Lynch, Eleanor Parnell, Genevieve Brandenburg, Hiranya Ekanayake, Heather Bruer, Isaac Queensland Astill, James Gaffey, Joel Dignam, Josephine Lim, Katya Alex Mulder, Arthur Cheung, Bonny Stutsel, Bronte Glogovska, Leonora Herweijer, Lisa Blinco, Mikhaila Walker, Courtney Moran, Darcy Garlick-Kelly, Ellie Dignam, Nathan Atterton , Paige Le Cornu, Rachel Webb, Emi Christensen, Emily Alexander, Erika Mene- Bruer-Jones, Robin Parkin, Sam Young, Saskia Scott, zes, Hugh Duffie, Jordan Hansan, Lauren Osborne, Thomas Goodall, Siyu Yang, Yen Pham Penny Lyle, Phoebe Kelly, Sean Kelly, Tanya Sinha, Tess Chapman, Victoria Adele Neale, Aidan Jago, Alicia Crawford, Amelia Wil- lis, Andrej Hohmann, Andrew Rainbow, Anna Altman, Aaron Fordham, Adita Prasad, Ahri Tallon, Aidan Runa- Anna Grogan, Anna Papaioannou, Anthony Gallacher, gall, Alex Vincent, Amy Gordon, Aria Ruddell, Benjamin Anthony Rendall, Belinda Pinskier, Bianca Weyers, Vozzo, Charlie Eager, Charlotte Simpson, Ciara Orior- Cassie Speakman, Chloe Aldenhoven, Chris Tagle, Cloe don, Gemma Borgocaratti, Irena Ward, Jack Brady, Kuchel, Dan Simons, Doug Tjandra, Emily Lawrence, Jacqui Mumford, Jaden Harris, Jessica Braun, Josh Erin Raggatt, Ezgi Bridger, Gemma Hawkins, Gen Stew- Wyndham-Kidd, Katherine Tu, Lilly Morrissey, Maria art, Grace Davis-Williams, Gretta Nicholls, Harry Cos- Tran, Matthew Meharg, Michael De Waal, Miriam Encel, sar-Gilbert, Hayley Pickering, Hilary Bowman, James Natasha Lay, Oday Kamal, Ramya Krishnan, Sophie Goldie, Jamie Parsons, Jem Bamford, Jo Donkers, Joe Trevitt, Tom Neale, Vivien Nguyen Hallenstein, Karina Donkers, Kate Allan, Kate O’Reilly, Team spirit: AYCC volunteers Tash and Katie Hall, Laura Adams, Laura Griffin, Lisa Caripis, Linh Australian Capital Territory Oday at the UN climate talks. Do, Lozzie Petch, Lucy Manne, Mark Poore, Milo Dodd, Ellie Cheney, Linsey Cole, Luke Cousins, Tyron Dar- Mim Dinapoli, Myah Turner-Revach, Nagida Clark, Nata- nell, Eliza Hopkins, Laura Hogan, Sasha Hunt, Adam Tasmania lie Fernandes, Navina Smith, Nerida Lennon, Olivia Met- Huttner-Koros, Benjamin Huttner-Koros, Noemie Clare Armstrong, Harriet Stevens, Jack Southwell, ter, Rebecca Kerley, Rufus Coffield-Feith, Sam Millar, Huttner-Koros, Su-Kim MacDonald, Nicky Moffat, Maggie Abrahams, Matilda Brown, Mia Donnet-Jones, Shane Bakewell, Shannon Regan, Sheena Watt, Simone Sean Munro, Peta Olesen, Sandy Potter, Michael Ware, Michael Poland, Sophie Fisher, Steven Briggs, Tara Parvakis, Steven Hamley, Steven Connolly, Mitch Con- Charlie Wayment, Scott Walker, Charlie Wood, Roman Ingram, Tom Midson nolly, Suthagar Karunanithi, Tillem Burlace, Tim Baxter, Zethoven Vien Lee, Vincent Dodd

» 27 Our Supporters

Throughout 2010 we have been honoured to The whole work with those people and organisations who AYCC team have invested in the AYCC, and helped us cre- thanks our ate real change on climate change. You have supporters for keeping made an incredible impact this year. us strong!

Thank you to our major supporter, the Purves Environmental Fund for investing in the AYCC since 2008. The Purves Environmental Fund has enabled the AYCC to grow from strength to strength, through providing core funding, sup- port and advice throughout 2010. Thanks to those who provided core funding for also to the National Australia Bank for funding the AYCC in 2010, including the Mullum Trust, a feasibility study into a new project, and to In 2010 our General Manager, Ellen Sandell, was Danny Matthews, Rob Purves, Clive Hamilton, all those organisations shown on the next lucky to be one of five recipients of the Voda- Colin Brown and Australian Ethical Investment. page who were Power Shift sponsors. Ann fone Foundation World of Difference (WOD) pro- McGregor’s support has also been integral in gram. The World of Difference program invests Many organisations and individuals made enabling our sustainability education work. in people, allowing them to work for a non-profit change through AYCC’s projects in 2010. Thanks also to all our other individual donors of their choice for a year. The Vodafone Foun- Graeme Wood’s support has been invaluable whose gave considerable support to our dation funded Ellen’s wage and expenses for a and was critical in enabling our successful projects throughout the year. year and helped her with professional develop- Federal Election campaign, putting climate ment and networks. Ellen has found being a change back in the headlines and on the And of course thanks to those who provided ‘WODer’ an invaluable experience. forefront of the political agenda. The NSW generous in-kind support such as office space, Government provided funding to enable us marketing advice and air time - including The Core funding is the oxygen which keeps AYCC to train over 200 young leaders across NSW Climate Institute, Greenfleet, Taurus Media, breathing and enables us to make change. in communicating climate science. Thanks Channel 10 and many others.

» 28 Major Supporter

Supporters

Power Shift Supporters

» 29