PROJECT ROCKIT

Last week was an absolute blast as our resident author, storyteller, and dreamer - Digital Innovation Manager Dan - flew to Sydney to meet with our National Youth Collective, Lamisa, and the team at Starlight Children's Foundation Australia and ReachOut Australia to dive deep into the world of youth participation. 🌟

We chatted all things National Youth Collective and explored what youth engagement truly looks like at PROJECT ROCKIT.

The day was brimming with inspiring conversations, exciting book revelations, and powerful youth participation frameworks. We celebrated the importance of deeply relational work that connects and uplifts young voices on the issues that matter most to them.

But the best part? Learning to create spaces where young people felt empowered, supported, and ready to share their unique perspectives.
[Image Description: Image 1 - Lamisa and Dan sitting at the front of a seated audience discussing the National Youth Collective, a visual projected on screen with polaroid style photo grid of the National Youth Collective.
Image 2 - Dan and Lamisa in the Starlight Foundation office.
Image 3 - Lamisa and Dan in front of the ReachOut sign, Lamisa is showing a 'rock on' hand sign. ]

Every day, we’re faced with countless choices, big and small. One of the most important choices we make is how we choose to interact and respond with others. 🤝🚀

As the great poet Maya Angelou says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

When we see bullying, hate, and prejudice playing out in person and online, we each have a choice.

We can either be part of the problem by staying silent, turning a blind eye, or even laughing along.
OR we can choose to be part of the solution by speaking up, offering support, and challenging harmful behaviours.

It's not always easy to speak up, but the impact can be profound. 💪❤️

By choosing kindness and empathy, we create a ripple effect that inspires others to speak up and collectively challenge the prejudice that persists in our communities.

At PROJECT ROCKIT, we're dedicated to helping young people realise their collective power to drive positive change in their communities.

If your school is ready to empower students to stand up against bullying and make a real impact, book a PROJECT ROCKIT workshop today. Learn how we can work with your school at [https://www.projectrockit.com.au/].

Shoutout to our partner schools this week empowering their students to challenge bullying, hate and prejudice 🚀
Mount Scopus Memorial College
Hume Anglican Grammar
Courtenay Gardens Primary School
Marcellin College, Bulleen
Pakenham Secondary College
Evans River Community School

Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive future for all. 🌍✨
[ID: Presenters during a secondary school workshop with the projector screen reading "Either you're part of the problem, or part of the solution".]

WE BACK YOUTH VOICES ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH 🎤 🧠 🌏

Youth mental health and social media: A Joint Position Statement by Australian mental health focused organisations working with young people.

At PROJECT ROCKIT, we are relentless about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people. We believe that the current narrative around social media and youth mental health is overly simplistic and fails to consider nuances, other critical factors impacting young people and most importantly, the involvement of young people themselves.

By joining this group statement, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes and embeds the voices of young people and addresses the multifaceted issues impacting their mental health.

To read the joint statement, head to: [https://bit.ly/4fokTQe].

Head-nod to our fellow orgs centering youth voice and backing young people every day .australia, , , , , .utd, 🚀
[ID: A purple and white tile titled 'Youth mental health and social media: A Joint Position Statement by Australian mental health focused organisations working with young people.' and the logos of the participating Australian-based youth mental health organisations, tagged in the post.]

"Individuality is your greatest strength" - Gia, student and artist 🚀 ✨

One of our greatest strengths is the the things that make us unique, which bring new perspectives, ideas and connections to those around us.

This week at PROCK has featured art sketches, community action, many heart-hands, high-stakes games of fireball (the PROCK version of rock paper scissors), and many conversations on how we can better show up and support each other, because bullying sucks 💙

Thanks to Heritage College Year 7's, Broadmeadows Primary School Grade 3's and 4's, Colac South West Primary School Grade 5 and 6, and Mount Clear College Year 9's for a week full of laughter, connection and kindness.
[ID: Image 1 - a picture of a drawing from a student Gia of PROCK presenters Ella and Ruby, Image 2 - Ruby presenting in a workshop with the presentation screen reading "What change do you want to see in your community?", and Image 3 - Shannon and Ruby with heart-hands and big smiles preparing for a workshop.]

🎉 MEET OUR NATIONAL YOUTH COLLECTIVE 🎉

We’re beyond excited to introduce PROJECT ROCKIT’s NATIONAL YOUTH COLLECTIVE, a diverse and talented group of 32 incredible young people from across Australia! ✨

Aged 12 to 19, these young advocates, advisors, and creators bring their unique perspectives and lived experience to unite for a common goal: to build a world where kindness and respect thrive over bulling, hate and prejudice.

💡 Our DESIGNERS co-design innovation projects and guide our grassroots impact - from workshops, partnerships, educational resources and more. They are the guiding force behind the COLLECTIVE’s initiatives.

🎨 Our CREATORS collaborate and develop engaging youth-led classroom resources and wider campaigns that are relatable and uplift youth-voice on the issues that matter most to them.

Together, we're here to support and champion these passionate young leaders to steer the ROCKIT-ship and ensure our movement is genuinely youth-led.

Head to [https://bit.ly/3WpmEFr] to meet them! 🙌✨


[ID: Cover image reads Meet our National Youth Collective at PROJECT ROCKIT.
Then the last four images host a 3x3 grid with polaroid style profile pictures of the National Youth Collective Members.
Image 2 - From left to right, row one: Darcey, Joshua Chloe. Row two: Taihan, Michale, Mehela. Row three: Marlene, Hansika, Dominik.
Image 3 - From left to right, row one: Konan, Manon, Jolie. Row two: Raheela, Oscar, Caitlin. Row three: Lamisa, Victoria, Ayush.
Image 4 - From left to right, row one: Franklin, Mo, Nicholas. Row two: Mia, Emily, Olivia. Row three: Dhishana, Jem, Rhea.
Image 5 - From left to right, row one: Theo, Anju, Maxine. Row two: Harrison. Row three: Noa. A QR Code linking to the landing page titled Meet Our National Youth Collective.]

The most 🔥 super serious decision 🔥 you could ever have to make this school term... 👀

What's the O.G school snack?
[ID: A meme where hypothetically you only get to pick one school snack fro the rest of your school life, what would it be? The choices are a red apple, LeSnak Crackers and Cheddar Cheese dip, a strawberry Chobani greek yogurt pouch, Arnott's chocolate Tiny Teddy biscuits, Starz Dunkarooz vanilla biscuits with chocolate dip, Carman's muesli bars, and Uncle Toby's Fruit Roll Ups.]

TERM HOLIDAYS AT PROCK HQ LOOK LIKE 👉 🚀

We know that strong, authentic relationships are the foundation of positive impact. That’s why we took a step back this school term break to reflect on our learnings and celebrate wins from the recent months. 🌟

Our team deeply value building authentic relationships, and during the term break we whipped out our paint brushes and pens to create a shared team art piece - a piece that represents and celebrates each individual that contributes to our collective mission. 🎨✨

We followed it up with a heartwarming winter potluck at our office, filled with delicious food and fantastic conversations. 🍲🤗

Swipe through the photos to see our team in action – creating, sharing, and growing together. 👉📸

Cheers to our amazing team and the exciting journey ahead! 💙
[ID: Image 1 - Most of the PROCK team crowded around a long wooden table with an arrangement of food, breads and delicious snacks for the team Potluck Day.
Image 2 - Some of the PROCK team sat around a long wooden table talking about their canvas paintings to each other. There are very serious faces and conversations (jokes, there are lots of turned heads and curious grins).
Image 3 - More of our team mid-creative-flow painting their canvases and musing over which colour to choose next.]

Ever wondered how social media algorithms are shaping your online world? 📲✨ Share your thoughts in our quick 5-10 minute survey and get a chance to win a $100 gift card! 💵🎉

We’re exploring the impact of social media on young people and the tech that powers it – algorithms! Your experience matters, whether you’re a tech whiz or just love scrolling through your feed.

Your feedback will help us understand the effects of social media algorithms on young people and how we can improve these platforms to better serve you.

If you’re between 13-19 years old, we want to hear from you. Take a few minutes to share your story in our survey – [https://bit.ly/3VWmTrk] 🌟
[ID: A blue image with a female presenting student showing an image on their phone, with bold white text overlayed reading "How do social media algorithms affect you? Ages 13-19, 5-10 min surveym win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards." featuring the PROJECT ROCKIT logo at the top.]

How do social media algorithms impact your life? 🤳 Share your story in our 5-10 min survey and you could snag a $100 gift card! 💸✨

We’re diving into how social media shapes young people's world and the tech behind it - algorithms! Whether you know about algorithms or not, if you have this post on your feed, then your experience is key!

Your insights will help us understand how social media algorithms are influencing young people's social media experience, and opportunities for improving how these platforms can adapt.

Young people's perspectives are essential to the current social media debate.
So if you are aged 13-19 and have five or ten minutes to spare, share your social media experiences in our survey > [https://bit.ly/3VWmTrk] 🌟
[ID: A young person holding their smart phone with a blue image and white text reading "Help us understand how social media algorithms shape your online world. Take Survey." with the PROJECT ROCKIT logo in the bottom right corner.]

JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST (CYBER)BULLYING 💪❤️

PROJECT ROCKIT has been a game-changer by empowering students across the country to tackle (cyber)bullying and lead with kindness. To ensure no young person is left behind, we launched The PROJECT ROCKIT Foundation.

Last year alone, our Foundation delivered life-changing anti-bullying and mental health programs to 23,000 students from 58 schools facing significant barriers—students who would have otherwise missed out.

As tax time approaches, we need your help! Your donations can help us reach more schools and give young people the voice they deserve in the ongoing social media debate.

"PROJECT ROCKIT turned my voice into an instrument for change" - 17-year-old student, 2 years after workshop

🌟 Whether you’re a uni student, teacher, parent, or an amazing supporter, your contribution makes a HUGE difference. Let’s stand together to amplify youth voices and create inclusive communities.

🙏 DONATE, TAG & SHARE to support our mission! ✨

💖 DONATE > [https://bit.ly/3VSWmex]

YOUTH VOICE IN MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS 🧠 🚀

If you are a young person aged 16-25, Prevention United want you to share your experiences and views on mental health policy in just 10 - 15 minutes. You can also enter a draw for one of five $50 vouchers!

Reach out to [email protected] for more info or click the link to take part!

https://forms.office.com/r/rMuwz3vK4v
[ID: A tile with Prevention United's logo and detials about the National Youth Survey on mental health experiences for young people.]

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION!

Some of our leadership team getting in some camera time, what could it be? 👀 🎥 🌟

Swipe for a surprise 💃
[ID: Image 1 - A view of our Head of Programs Dot, with short dark hair and a patterned white, black and dark pink-red shirt, through a preview screen on a filming camera. Image 2 - A view from behind our General Manager Emma with blonde curly hair viewing their laptop, and a film crew member filming behind her shoulder. Image 3 - Our Head of Programs, Dot, mid groove and jive in between filming segments. A colourful mural of sticky notes is behind her.]

PROJECT ROCKIT stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every day. 🖤💛❤️

With deep respect and gratitude, we acknowledge the owners of the land on which PROJECT ROCKIT HQ is based, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Extending further, we acknowledge the lands where gather, live, work, and play right across the country as Aboriginal land. Always was, always will be.

Now more than ever, it is important for us all to listen to, support, and learn from First Nations communities. This includes, but isn't limited to truth-telling, understanding First Nations histories and cultures, calling out racism and actively uplifting and reinforcing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.⁠

Our work in tackling bullying happens within a continuing history of bullying, hate and prejudice in this country and we honour the resilience and leadership of those who have come before us. 🖤💛❤️


[ID: An image of the Aboriginal Flag with black, yellow and red hearts scattered across the blue-green gradient background.]

TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE THE ONLINE WORLD WE WANT TO SEE 🌐✨

What a blast we had at William Ruthven Primary School ! 🎉 Lachy and Ella rocked the house with their awesome SYNC workshop, and the Year 4, 5, and 6 crew were all in!

SYNC isn't just about digital know-how; it's about giving young people the tools to rock it in the online world. From chatting about cool online stuff to tackling sticky situations and learning how to handle them with kindness and respect, these legends were all in!

Seeing their faces light up and hearing their ideas about making the internet a better place? That's what it's all about 💙 They're not just users; they're the future leaders of the digital world, and they're making it a kinder, safer, and more awesome place for everyone.

Big shoutout to everyone who made today possible. You're helping us build a better online community, one smiley face emoji at a time! 💪❤️


[ID: Image 1 - An up-close shot of Lachy, with blonde hair and a navy blue t-shirt and Ella, with medium length blonde hair and a purple knit jumper presenting.
Image 2 - A student who is also a person of colour smiling and looking into the camera, surrounded by her peers.
Image 3 - A student sitting in the audience with their long brown hair tied back.
Image 4 - An distanced shot of Lachy, with blonde hair and a navy blue t-shirt and Ella, with medium length blonde hair and a purple knit jumper presenting in front of the student audience, a screen with a blue textured background and the PROJECT ROCKIT paper plane behind them.

YOU BELONG 🌈 Send this to a friend who needs it this 💙

Because everyone deserves kindness and empathy.
If you need a safe space to chat, there q***r and youth support services that you can access:
Queerspace 🌈 💬
(03) 9663 6733
Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Qlife 🌈 💬
1800 184 527
Every day, 3pm-midnight
Or webchat at qlife.org.au

KidsHelpline 💬
1800 55 1800
Every day, 24/7
Or webchat at kidshelpline.com.au
[ID: The inclusive rainbow flag with all white caps "You Belong" and the PROJECT ROCKIT logo.]

PROCK LIFE LATELY 🚀 🌱

Swipe to the end for a surprise 😉
[Image Descriptions:
Image 1 - Ruby and Shannon pointing to PROCK Posters on a screen, they really love these colourful posters.
Image 2 - A message of support from a grade 5 student reading "You are a great friend, thank-you".
Image 3 - Shannon sharing resources for young people in a workshop - this one is by Orygen
Image 4 - Another message of supprot, reading "Do you need me to get a teaher to help or can we deal with this together?"
Image 5 - Lachy mid-workshop talking with students about their thoughts on how they can make their school better. Our favurites include "help people realise the impact of their words", "stand up for your friends", "invite others to play games with you".
Image 6 - If you're reading this to avoid swiping across, we really think you should swipe *wink*.]

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE 🌟 PROJECT ROCKIT is looking for passionate individuals to become Program Presenters and empower young minds against bullying and prejudice across Australia.

Being a P-ROCK Presenter isn't just a job, it's a chance to make a lasting impact on young minds. From delivering powerful workshops to sparking authentic conversations, every moment counts in shaping a kinder world where young people can thrive. 🌱

And the best part? Hearing from those we've impacted along the way. Here's just a glimpse of the impact we're making together:
🚀 "You gave me great strategies about life skills and lessons that I will never forget to better myself and the community around me." - 13 year old student
🚀 "I have a friend with anxiety and you helped explain it and what was happening in his head. I will now reach out to him and ask how he is." - 12 year old student
🚀 "You made me realise that we as kids can make a difference to aid our society for the better." - 14 year old student

We're accepting applications on a rolling basis, that is, until we find a total legend to join our team. Could this be you?

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, elevate, and inspire. Apply now 🌈 [https://bit.ly/3JvVB4c]

⚡️⚡️⚡️JOB OPPORTUNITY ALERT ⚡️⚡️⚡️

We are now on the search for the newest Program Presenter to join the PROJECT ROCKIT team.

Being a PROJECT ROCKIT Presenter is all about connecting, elevating and holding space for the next generation – to be the person you needed when you were younger.

It's about having real conversations about the topics that often aren’t covered in class. Sometimes it looks like delivering a knockout line in a workshop, other times it's having a dance party with Grade 5s, and other times it's encouraging real authentic conversation with teens about what matters most to them.

If you know somebody who would love to kickstart a career mobilising young people to challenge (cyber)bullying, build social leadership and break down labels, spread the word!

Please note that there no closing date as we intend to fill this role as soon as possible – so apply now >> projectrockit.com.au/program-presenter
[Image Description: A bright blue mural that reads: PROJECT ROCKIT - NOW HIRING – Help us build a world where kindness thrives].

INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE BUILDS KINDER COMMUNITIES 💙

We want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation!

🎉 Their support has empowered Year 7-9 students across 15 schools around the Newcastle area to access PROJECT ROCKIT programs over the next term, meaning that students can build critical skills to challenge (cyber)bullying, fostering supportive and positive relationships with peers both in person and online.

With their support, students are not only equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely but also empowered to explore their values and what it means to be a leader. This means they can take action on the issues they care about and create lasting change in their communities. 🌟💖

🙏 Thank you, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, for your commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

🚀🌈
[ID: Image 1 - Shannon presenting a young person's story of challenging bullying. Image 2 - A selfie Shannon and Hasan in front of a PROJECT ROCKIT workshop side, Image 3 - Students watching an In Real Life video in a workshop.]