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This National Student Volunteer Week (NSVW2025), aligned with the theme Powered By Purpose, we’re proud to spotlight youth-led organisations that are redefining what it means to create change.
As the national peak body for volunteering, we recognise that youth-led organisations are expanding what it means to volunteer. They are combining advocacy with action, embedding peer leadership and co-design, and championing inclusive, purpose-driven initiatives. Their work reflects the priorities of a new generation: agile, creative, and community-led.
Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC)
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is Australia’s largest youth-run organisation — and a bold force for climate justice, powered by the leadership and vision of young people.
“Our mission is to build a movement of young people leading solutions on the climate crisis.”
Young people are on the frontlines of climate change, and AYCC believes they must also be at the centre of the solutions.
“Young people have the most to lose from climate change, but we also have a lot to gain. Climate justice is our opportunity to build a fairer world that works for everyone, not just a few. We can power our lives with the wind and sun, and ensure clean energy, secure jobs and healthy communities for all.”
Campaigns, Community, and Collective Action
At AYCC, young people step into their power — driving campaigns, standing in solidarity with impacted communities, and advocating for a fast, fair transition to renewable energy.
“At AYCC, young people get involved because we want to take our future into our own hands. We run campaigns to stop new fossil fuel projects and push for a fast, fair transition to renewable energy. We organise protests, meet with decision-makers, and work alongside communities on the frontlines of climate impacts.”
Leadership That Lasts
Beyond the frontlines of advocacy, AYCC is committed to long-term capacity building — equipping thousands of young people with the tools to lead boldly and effectively.
“We build the leadership and organising skills of thousands of young people so we can take bold, collective action to win.”
AYCC’s work reflects a generation that is values-driven, action-oriented, and ready to lead.
As we honour student volunteers this week, we recognise that volunteering today isn’t just about giving back — it’s about taking action, claiming agency, and reshaping the future.
Learn more about volunteering with Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Youth Leadership Academy Australia
Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) — a team driven by young people, for young people, with a mission to inspire, strengthen, and empower the next generation of leaders.
YLAA delivers high-impact leadership events across the country through its Dream and Lead and Secondary Youth Leadership Conferences. These one-day immersive experiences are held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, and are led by internationally trained facilitators.
Students engage in a dynamic blend of speakers, purposeful activities, and moments of genuine transformation — building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of personal agency.
Youth Volunteers at the Heart of the Movement
At the core of every YLAA event are the youth volunteers who make it all possible.
From mic running and registering schools to greeting teachers and capturing powerful moments through photography, young volunteers are the heartbeat of the national tour.
“They don’t just join YLAA to give back — they join because they believe in the transformation that happens when young people are given the chance to lead.”
As one volunteer shared:
“I walked into my first YLAA conference and knew this is where I needed to be. I’ve never felt so seen, heard and understood, it felt like finding a new family.”
It’s this commitment to growth, purpose, and community that draws young leaders back year after year.
Shaping the Future, Together
YLAA is more than a conference series, it’s a platform for young Australians to explore their leadership potential, uplift their peers, and step boldly into roles of influence and advocacy.
As we celebrate the passion and energy of student volunteers this week, we honour the organisations that not only empower young people — but are powered by them.
Learn More about volunteering with Youth Leadership Academy Australia
More Youth-Led Organisations Creating Change
These organisations are also redefining what it means to lead, give, and take action as young people.
Explore their work and get inspired:
Oaktree
A youth-run international development organisation working to end poverty by empowering young people to lead, advocate, and create sustainable change.
Minus18
Australia’s leading organisation for LGBTQIA+ youth. Through events, education, and advocacy, Minus18 is creating an inclusive world where all young people belong.
Seed Mob
Australia’s first Indigenous youth-led climate network, fighting for climate justice and protecting country, culture, and communities.
Youth Insearch
A peer-led organisation empowering young people across Australia to heal from trauma, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives and communities.
These youth-led organisations show us what it means to be Powered by Purpose. They’re not just shaping the future, they’re leading it, with creativity, courage, and community at the core.
This National Student Volunteer Week, we honour their work and the countless young people across Australia who are redefining what it means to volunteer.
