Spark Change 2021 Volunteer Registrations

PLEASE NOTE: You only have 400 characters (around 25 words) to answer each application question and 20 minutes. So we would recommend writing your application answers on a separate document first and then copying your answers over.

Spark Change is now an online event going ahead on the 16th of October due to Auckland's Covid Alert Levels, participants will be informed directly as to how the event will operate following their registration.

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 11:59pm 11th October

COMPULSORY VOLUNTEER TRAINING HUI:

There will be a compulsory volunteer training hui on the 13th of October in the evening. Volunteers will be provided will further information about the training closer to the time.

WHAT IS SPARK CHANGE 2021?

Spark Change 2021 is a solveathon event for high school students to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ignite innovation among rangitahi as a key driver towards achieving these goals.  Participants put their problem-solving skills to the test by developing out-of-the-box solutions to real challenges. Teams are provided with educational material to understand the role of SDGs in our daily lives and a case problem related to an issue in our backyard of Tāmaki Makaurau.💡

Spark Change 2021 would not be possible without the commitment and passion of our tertiary volunteer kaimahi (conference assistants)! Volunteers are central to every aspect of our event, working collaboratively to build a successful and enjoyable event for participants. Being a volunteer is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling time, and a delegate’s experience often relies on the work of our kaimahi.

Spark Change 2021 Solveathon will be held online on Saturday October the 16th. As a volunteer, YOU will help students spark change by expanding their horizons and what is possible with innovation. You will see how in “a spirit of strengthened global solidarity,” the SDGs along with a happier and healthier future for all are more than UN+Attainable. 

We aim to uphold the tikanga values of manaakitanga (extending compassion), mohiotanga (sharing of information), and kotahitanga (unity) at our event. We also cater to all experience and knowledge levels, so all we need from you is to bring yourself! Previous UN Youth experience is not needed!

We have a range of roles to suit a variety of interests and skills, offering different perspectives of our event. There will be a compulsory training hui prior to the conference, on the 13th of October, as well as a function after the event to thank all of our volunteers for their mahi. 

VOLUNTEER ROLES

Please note: volunteering is only open to high school leavers aged 25 or under.

Rōpū Facilitator

Each Spark Change rōpū has 2-3 ropū facilitators, who will work together to create meaningful, positive and engaging experiences for conference participants. Rōpū facilitators will get to know their ropū and create a positive environment for their delegates, lead and facilitate problem solving, present sections of workshops, and support delegates in sessions to understand the topic and their country’s position on it.

Rōpū groups (for rōpū facilitators)

Rōpū facilitators will belong to one of our four ropū, Peace, People, Prosperity and Planet, each encompassing a group of goals to show the intertwined framework of SDGs. More information about each of the SDGs can be found at this link!

Peace (SDG 16):

Our governing institutions (Parliament, central and local government, and the justice system) play a fundamental role in organising society, distributing power and shaping New Zealand’s future. The SDGs emphasise the importance of strong institutions which are “effective, accountable and inclusive”, and promote peaceful, just societies.

People (SDG 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5):

The United Nations is instrumental in encouraging the improvement of human rights and equality around the world, and the SDGs reinforce these ideals. By reflecting upon the principles that guide a just society, we will see how inequality exists, and how it can be reduced. Within the context of achieving global good health and wellbeing, this includes global health issues and considers how New Zealand can improve its own health system.

Prosperity (SDG 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11):

The SDGs aim to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social, and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. However, trends toward achieving a shared prosperity have largely stalled, as the world struggles with a slowing economy and rising inequality.

Planet (SDG 6, 12, 13, 14 & 15):

At a time when the effects of climate change and environmental exploitation are being felt more and more, it is increasingly important that students are aware of humanity’s impacts on the environment at all scales.

Liaison

UN Youth Auckland strives to do our best to be as equitable and inclusive as possible for all of our CAs and delegates. Māori and Pasifika liaison and LGBT liaison roles are invaluable to the delegate experience, particularly for students from LGBT, Māori and Pasifika communities. Liaisons will mentor delegates and provide them with guidance and opportunities to socialise with other like-minded people from similar backgrounds. Nonetheless, qualities like empathy, openness, cultural sensitivity, and a warm personality are vital to the role.

Logistics Officer

Logistics officers are the helping hands behind the scenes that ensure the smooth running of the conference. The role is a multifaceted one: setting up rooms, preparing catering, guiding lost delegates, as well as whatever else is required of you. The ability to multitask under pressure is essential, and we are looking for individuals to take initiative when required to ensure Spark Change goes to plan.

Welfare Officer

Welfare officers are the first point of contact for anyone, delegate or conference assistant, feeling unwell or unsafe. This role encompasses all aspects of Hauora: physical, mental & emotional, social, and spiritual. As a result, welfare officers will need a current first-aid certificate and a caring attitude and approach to these situations. Experience in welfare, at UN Youth or elsewhere, is desirable as this role is an important one, requiring the ability to navigate urgent and stressful situations.

Media Officer

Media officers capture every moment at the conference. From candid shots during lively discussions between delegates to the next display picture on your timeline, photographers are integral to the conference and its memory. We are primarily seeking photographers, but also videographers if you have the proven experience. Photographers will need access to, and have experience with, their preferred tools, typically a DSLR camera or equivalent. Editing skills, for both photos and videos, are desirable but not necessary.

For any questions about the event, feel free to contact our Communications Manager Frances Revita at frances.revita@unyouth.org.nz

This registration submission authorises UN Youth New Zealand the right to capture my image and likeness in photos, videos and other media footage (“footage”). Additionally, it authorises UN Youth New Zealand the right to edit, publish and distribute any and all footage of me without any compensation to be used for any lawful purpose (e.g. creating promotional material).This registration submission authorises UN Youth New Zealand the right to collect, store and use any and all demographic information of me to be used for any lawful purpose (e.g. tracking who our organisation is reaching). This demographic information will not be individually identifiable. The foregoing authorisations shall continue indefinitely unless I otherwise revoke them in writing to privacy@unyouth.org.nz.