What is ChilOut’s Youth Ambassador Program?

ChilOut’s Youth Ambassador Program is an exciting opportunity for young people from across Australia, aged between 16 and 24, to speak up for children in immigration detention. As part of this program, young former refugees and Australian-born young people participate in activities in the community to raise awareness about children in detention, conveying stories and participating in activities which carry the message that keeping children in detention centres causes serious harm. The aim of the Youth Ambassador Program is to empower young people to raise their voices and work toward ensuring that all children, no matter how they arrived in Australia, are given the basic human rights they are entitled to.

What are some of the things you will do as a ChilOut Youth Ambassador?

• Visit detention centres and speak with young people who have experienced detention.
• Speak with schools and communities around Australia to raise awareness of the issues facing children in detention and children who come to Australia seeking safety.
• Talk to the media and politicians about these issues.
• Share ideas and participate in training to improve communication and advocacy skills.
• Learn about the rights that children are entitled to under international law.
• Build self-confidence and obtain important skills that may help your future career.
• Work in teams and form friendships with other like-minded young people.
• Have the opportunity to be mentored and learn from past Youth Ambassadors.

ChilOut is now welcoming applications for our 2016 Youth Ambassador Program! Please read the information below to find out how you can apply.

Who can apply to be a ChilOut Youth Ambassador?

ChilOut’s Youth Ambassador Program is open to young people who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and aged between 16 and 24 years. Youth Ambassadors can be former child detainees, former refugees or young people who are passionate about asylum seeker and refugee issues and interested in making a positive contribution to these issues.

We are looking for young people who:

• Are committed to ChilOut’s core values and work
• Are passionate about helping young people and/or asylum seekers
• Are good role models
• Are responsible and reliable
• Have some past experience in engaging with children and young people (ie through volunteering, youth groups, work, youth organisations, or from being in high school).

If you are unsure about whether you are eligible to apply, please email us at: or phone us on 0487 577 034.

How can you apply to become a ChilOut Youth Ambassador?

To apply, please complete ChilOut’s 2016 Youth Ambassador Program Application Form and attach a 1-2 page CV so we can learn more about you. You can download the application form HERE. Please email if you have questions about the application form or need some help. You can also phone us on 0487 577 034.

Once you have completed and sign the form, please return it by either email or post to

• Email:   
• Post:      ChilOut, PO Box 811, Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Applications CLOSE on Friday 19 February 2016.

What happens next?

Shortly after the application deadline, ChilOut will carefully review all applications received and will shortlist a small number of applicants who will be interviewed by Skype, phone or in person. After these interviews, a final decision will be made as to who will be ChilOut’s Youth Ambassadors for 2016 based on all the application criteria.

Successful applicants will need to commit to the 12-month Youth Ambassador Program, with an initial trial period of 3 months. You will also be required to attend a compulsory two-day training course in Sydney in early April 2016. If you live outside of Sydney, and are chosen as a 2016 Youth Ambassador, ChilOut will cover your travel expenses. Throughout the program, ChilOut’s Campaign Coordinator and Youth Ambassador Mentors will provide you with support and guidance.