WhyNot (2024)

17/01/2024

"Being a teenager involves a rapid process of becoming – discovering our passions, shaping our relationships and deciding upon our future.

Getting a first job is undoubtedly a liberating part of this experience. It provides a source of income, allowing us the freedom to buy a car or go out with friends. But it is also an invaluable opportunity, exposing us to the wider world and allowing us to explore what the future could look like."

Read more in our latest submission on the 'Future of Work', by Joshua (he/him) by following the link 🔗 https://www.whynot.org.au/social/future-of-work/

You can also take the survey now ➡ https://youthmeaningfulwork.com/

The Y Australia

16/01/2024

"When my parents immigrated to Australia when I was 3, I didn’t feel I belonged. As a little girl, I always wanted blonde hair and blue eyes. This was partly because the media emphasised blonde hair, blue eyes, and whiteness as beautiful when I was a child.

As a South African Filipino, I felt different, looked different, and sounded different."

To read more of our latest submissions 'Haute Culture' by Erin (she/her) follow the link 🔗 https://www.whynot.org.au/style/haute-culture/

10/01/2024

"Mental health has always been important to me. I have had my own mental health struggles and challenges throughout my life, and my degree was centred on mental health. This is something that is often misunderstood and ignored by wider society."

🧠❤️

In our latest article, .omara shares insights on mental health awareness and strategies she has used to take care of her own mental health. You can join the conversation by following the link https://www.whynot.org.au/wellbeing/madies-top-5-takes-on-mental-health-awareness/ 🌟

04/01/2024

Meet Madie, one of our talented creatives in our Creative Residents Unleashed Program - in the spotlight! 🌟

"Hi there, my name is Madieson, a 24 soon to be 25-year-old currently living in East Victoria Park. When I am not busy with work, I love to garden, read, and do crafty projects. I most recently just completed a mini-house project. I bought a mini-house kit from Kmart and built the mini house, adding my own artistic flair and my own little Lego figurines to the house. I would say I am most definitely a bit of a homebody loving lots of tasks and activities that I can do at home! But am always up for an adventure, whether it be riding to new places, going for long walks/hikes, and exploring the amazing scenery we have here in Perth. I am originally for a regional town called Dunsborough where I grew up and completed my schooling. I moved to Perth to begin my university degree and have found such love and joy in the city. Some of my favourite things are, yellow, butterfly’s and panda’s. My favourite kind of music is Australian Music and 2000’s hits! Although I do not have any pets, I love dogs and cats!"

Curious about how you could be part of the Creative Residents Unleashed program at WhyNot? 🎨💡
Sign up to our newsletter via the link in our bio to find out more.

.omara

02/01/2024

Read our latest article from Creative Resident, Daniel, on his transformative journey in Chennai, amplifying the voices of young minds across the Asia-Pacific. 🌏✨

Dive into his interview with Gaurav, a content creator from India, as we explore the pressing issues faced by the youth. 💼

📚 Let's bridge the gaps and connect our experiences.

https://www.whynot.org.au/experiences/conversations-with-daniel-voices-from-bharat/

27/12/2023

🚨🚨 CONTENT WARNING 🚨🚨

"The world around me starts to blur,

As panic grips me like a cruel burr.

My heart races, my hands start to shake,

I struggle to keep my fear in check.

My breath becomes shallow and quick,

My mind becomes a turbulent thick,

Of thoughts, of worries, of endless doubt,

That seem to swallow me inside and out."

Read our latest poem 'Whispers of Courage: Confronting the Shadows of Panic', Words by Josephine (she/her) 18, TAS 🌟

whynot.org.au/wellbeing/whispers-of-courage-confronting-the-shadows-of-panic/

26/12/2023

"Respect in Oxford’s manual may sound technical,

“A due regard for other feelings, wishes and rights” it’s a bit lexical,

But let me put it in words more poetical,

Respect is engaging with sensory organs, that’s the essence, that’s the chemical."

Read our latest poem about Respect by Runali (she/her) from QLD 🌟✨

Follow the link 🔗 https://www.whynot.org.au/social/respect/

20/12/2023

Meet Helena, one of our talented creatives in our Creative Residents Unleashed Program - in the spotlight! 🌟

"After starting her third degree in three years, Helena has finally found her niche studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English literature and political science. This degree fosters a space in which she is constantly reading, writing and analysing, allowing her to explore the human condition and observe the world with a critical eye. As a creative resident at WhyNot, Helena aims to utilize her passion for storytelling to create thought-provoking pieces. Through her work, she hopes to spark conversations, broaden perspectives, and encourage a questioning of the status quo. In her spare time, Helena can be found at the bouldering gym, going to live music gigs or sitting by a lake reading with friends."

Curious about the Creative Residents Unleashed program at WhyNot? 🎨💡
Sign up to our newsletter via the link in our bio to find out more.

18/12/2023

“Christmas – a season traditionally centered around goodwill and generosity – has evolved into a playground for capitalism, a swirling vortex of consumerism that often overshadows its essence.

I hear you; this isn’t a new take. People have been ringing the Capitalist Christmas bells for a few years now. But it wouldn’t be the age of the internet if I didn’t feel at least halfway justified to join in with my two cents, or whatever it’s worth.

For a holiday whose (debatably) favorite tale is a poignant narrative highlighting economic disparities and the callous dominance of employers in “A Christmas Carol”, we really did a great job of transforming it into a commercial commodity for profit.”

— Maeson, not just an Editorial Committee member but a wordsmith in their own right! 📜💬

Dive into Maeson’s insightful commentary on the Yuletide hustle. 🔄💡 Check out the link 🔗 in bio to read and reflect on the true spirit of the season. 🌟📰

👆

15/12/2023

“As a society, we often reserve a special judgment for women who invest in their appearance, dismissing them as narcissistic or mindless, most particularly in their choice to pursue plastic surgery or cosmetic enhancements.

The unmistakable disdain towards women who make these choices has always left me feeling unsettled and disconcerted. I frequently find myself guided by an impulse to defend ‘vain’ women and their choices – a group I have often been included in – very aware that there are greater dynamics at play resting just beyond the perceptible realm.”

— Helena, our Creative Resident, laying bare societal perceptions! 💬✨

In her latest opinion piece, Helena delves into the complexities surrounding judgments on women’s choices. 💄💪 Check out the link in bio to read and gain insight into the nuanced layers of societal expectations. 📰🔍

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09/12/2023

“I never had the opportunity to have conversations about boundaries and consent. In all aspects of the relationship, not just intimacy. I never learnt that it is okay and necessary to talk about what I wanted before, during and after s*x. I don’t blame myself anymore, and I don’t berate myself for thinking I should have known better.

I understand now, if the other partner does not show respect, it’s okay to leave the relationship. Sexual assault and r**e should never be reduced to just a lack of communication and confusion.” - Brianna, 22 VIC

This message resonates , a global call to action against gender-based violence.

is more than a campaign; it’s a collective effort to challenge the pervasive human rights violation faced by women and girls worldwide. It serves as a poignant reminder that violence takes many forms, and it is our duty to break the silence and stand up against it.

There is for gender-based violence. Let’s raise our voices, amplify survivors’ stories, and work together to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate this injustice. It’s time to create a world where safety and equality prevail. 💪🌍✊

🔗 Link to article in our bio ⬆️

07/12/2023

Let's be real – money talk can be a snooze fest! 😴 But, as shared by our Creative Resident, Madie O'Mara, neglecting financial know-how as a teen led to some real struggles in uni. Mi Goreng and city nights are fun, but wise financial choices matter too!

Check out Madie's tips (🔗link in our bio ⬆️) on cultivating financial wellness. From saving hacks to self-compassion, she's got your back!

💬 Join the Conversation: Share your own money-savvy tips or your struggles with financial fluency 💪

07/12/2023

Let's be real – money talk can be a snooze fest! 😴 But, as shared by our Creative Resident - .omara - neglecting financial know-how as a teen led to some real struggles in uni. Mi Goreng and city nights are fun, but wise financial choices matter too!

Check out Madie's tips (🔗link in our bio ⬆️) on cultivating financial wellness. From saving hacks to self-compassion, she's got your back!

💬 Join the Conversation: Share your own money-savvy tips or your struggles with financial fluency 💪

06/12/2023

Ever felt overwhelmed by the speed at which misinformation spreads? 🚀

Maeson sheds light on the challenge we face – sharing the fact that one post can lead to a flood of similar content on your feed. So, how do we combat it?

“The most common advice given to young people about identifying ‘fake news’ is to check the facts – is there data to support the claim? Where is the data sourced from?

But what happens when the misinformation is supported by valid evidence?"🤔

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on navigating the digital landscape. 💬 How do you personally sift through the sea of information to find the truth?

Read the full piece ➡️ https://shorturl.at/sFL27

28/11/2023

"When I used to think of Barbie growing up, I would think about my dolls (and the god awful DIY haircuts that I would give them – shoutout to my weird Barbie who was always in the splits). My thoughts used to be about this doll, with a perfect hourglass figure, blonde hair to die for, and a life that I longed for. She had a dream house, a dreamy boyfriend, and what seemed like every pair of shoes ever." - Words by Saskia (she/her) 16 VIC

In our latest article, Saskia (she/her) explores the evolving narrative of Barbie beyond childhood memories, delving into how the iconic doll has transformed the film landscape by challenging stereotypes and embracing feminism.

Read more of 'Pink, sparkles, and feminism: How Barbie has changed the film landscape' by following the link 🔗
https://www.whynot.org.au/culture/pink-sparkles-and-feminism-how-barbie-has-changed-the-film-landscape/

19/11/2023

"When I was younger, around seven or eight years, I counted down each day until I could be an adult. I dreamed I would be the smartest, the person who was asked all the questions, the person who had all the answers, the centre of attention. In retrospect, I realize that my dream was to be heard, to have my voice and my presence acknowledged, even if I didn’t know it then." - Josh (he/him) 19, NSW

How many of us can relate to Josh's childhood dream?

It's a journey we all embark on, yearning for our voices to echo and our presence to matter. Let's take a moment to reflect on our own paths and the significance of being heard.

Did you know that only 1 in 5 young people feel heard?

Let's change that statistic! 🚀

Let's create a world where every voice is valued, where we actively listen and uplift one another. 🌐

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone's dreams of being heard become a reality. 💬✨

Read the full article here ➡️ https://www.whynot.org.au/experiences/do-you-hear-us-now/

14/11/2023

"It has been a long, continuous process to create a healthy relationship with my body. The ideas that I discuss are not only around focusing on what I need to help my own body, but also how this can help others. These ideas are based on my own personal experience of self-acceptance and self-love." - Read more on 'Madie’s Top 5 Takes on Building healthy relationships with your body' by following the link 🔗
https://www.whynot.org.au/uncategorised/madies-top-5-takes-on-building-healthy-relationships-with-your-body/

🌟 Madie is part of our Creative Residents United Program, a dynamic platform where WhyNot gives talented creators and writers a supportive environment to push boundaries, nurture their craft, and share their unique perspectives. Find out how you could be part of our CRU program by signing up to WhyNot eNews.🌟

07/11/2023

"In a world where the term 'self-love' has been hijacked by social media, transformed into a glamorous performance to be emulated, and presented as an ideal to which we should all aspire, we've drifted away from its genuine essence.

By no means am I criticizing the concept of self-love.

My question is, if self-love is truly for the self, then why do we feel the need to show the rest of the world the most perfect way it is done?" – Aurelne (she/her), 24 WA

True self-love isn't about validation from others; it's an intimate journey towards acceptance, kindness, and authenticity. It's perfectly imperfect. 🙌💕

07/11/2023

🔊 To all the introverts out their – this ones for you 🔊

Helena, a member of our Creative Residents Unleashed (CRU) Program, shares some insightful thoughts on the bias towards extroversion in our society. 🤔

"Before we even have the language to consciously process what we are doing, we all internalize a bias that privileges extroversion as the correct way to be. Quietness is pathologized and treated as a character flaw, one that must be expunged early on to create a uniform society of big personalities and loudspeakers.

In a world designed for extroverts, naturally introverted people are constantly receiving the message that they have less value. They either face ridicule and exclusion for adhering to their nature, or the immense internal stress of self-negation as they try their hardest to conform." – Helena (she/her), 20 QLD

Helena points out that from our early years, we're pushed to conform to extroverted norms. Weekly show-and-tells in kindergarten morph into forced collaborative learning, group projects, and public speaking tasks as schooling years continue. Even at the university level, necessary marks become allocated to verbal class participation and groupwork assignments. 🎓🗣️

So, have you ever felt pressured to conform to extroverted norms in your life, or have you embraced your introverted qualities proudly? Share your experiences with us! 🤝💬

30/10/2023

"It never used to feel quite like this. I never let my hopes rise too high. Hearing anything back can be a delightful surprise when you set the bar low enough. Expect little and nothing will be disappointing.

Except, of course, it was heart-breaking. Every time. I just didn't let myself feel it properly. The email would pop up – rejections are always emails, never calls – and a hollowness would ache in my chest for a moment before I'd swallow it down.

But I can't do that now. I let myself get my hopes up. I need to. There are so many terrible things in this world, and I fear that expecting so little of my efforts was adding to my own anxieties. Why not let this application be something positive to hope for? Why not wish that this one might work out?" - Lydia (they/she), 21 VIC

Let this be your reminder to reach for the stars, expect the best, and embrace hope with open arms. 🌠💪

29/10/2023

"As we are compelled to meet this pressure of a culture dominated by simulations, we must constantly feign to have what we don’t and be what we aren’t. Many of us pour endless energy into constructing an image of the self, even subconsciously, that we choose to project to others in response to the images we are constantly receiving. It is a self-perpetuating cycle, in which the consumption of image creates demand to produce image.

This primacy of consumerism and rise of image culture creates a society that favours the aestheticization of life above all else – the aesthetic life is equated with the ethically good life." - Helena (she/her), 20 QLD

👥 In a world dominated by simulations, the pressure to project what we're not is real. The image we construct becomes our shield in response to a relentless stream of images we encounter daily.

🔄 It's a self-perpetuating cycle. Consuming images fuels the demand to produce them.

🎨 Our society now values the aesthetic life above all else. Aesthetic equals ethical, they say.

🚫 But is that what we truly want? Let's question the status quo.

🌟 Helena is part of Creative Residents Unleashed (CRU), a dynamic program where WhyNot gives talented creators and writers a supportive environment to push boundaries, nurture their craft, and share their unique perspectives. Find out how you could be part of our CRU program by signing up to WhyNot eNews.🌟

Read the full article here ➡️ https://www.whynot.org.au/tech/image-and-consumerism/

🤔

29/10/2023

🚀 Join the Conversation🌟

In today's fast-changing world, work isn't what it used to be. For Millennials and Gen Z, work is an entirely different game. We're not just punching the clock, we're reshaping the very concept of work.

🌍 We're setting the pace for the new work-life balance.
💪 We're making our values the driving force behind our careers.
📢 We're influencing our workplaces to align with what truly matters to us.
🔍 We're on a relentless quest for purpose and fulfillment, even if it means breaking the 9-to-5 mold.

The workforce is evolving, and it's high time to lead the charge. 🚀

🗣️ Your voice matters! We want to hear from YOU. 📣

🤔 What does your dream professional life look like?
📚 How have your education and experiences shaped the professional you are today?
🌟 How do you navigate the ever-changing work landscape?
🔮 What changes would you like to see in the future of work?

Join the conversation and be part of the Work Revolution! Let's amplify our voice and change the future 👉 https://www.whynot.org.au/unfiltered-thoughts/

24/10/2023

"I woke up to a divided nation. Not a nation divided by voice. A nation divided by the heartless, egocentric self-centred politicians of the no campaign.

I feel hurt. I feel betrayed. It wasn’t a costly ask. It wasn’t a radical request. It was a modest, humble invitation to Australians to walk with us, to heal the ongoing scars of colonisation. The assimilation. The genocide. The snatching of land. The stealing of children. An advisory body and recognition was a modest request. Instead, conservative forces in Australia said ‘no’." - Gabe (he/him), 17 QLD 💔

Read more of our latest article here - https://www.whynot.org.au/social/thoughts-on-no-the-aftermath/ 🔗

13/10/2023

"Referendum Day (October 14) is fast approaching. It’s an incredibly rare moment in history. Voting in a referendum to change the constitution is one of the most meaningful and powerful things we do as citizens. When our Constitution was first drafted, Indigenous people were excluded, discarded, and disenfranchised. Our framers assumed a national future where Indigenous people literally ceased to exist.

But they entrusted all ordinary Australian citizens with the power to amend that constitution and to reframe that national future. We (not the old white dudes from 122 years ago) are the owners of the Constitution. It is one of our greatest responsibilities as Australian adults to care for and amend it." - Alejo (he/him), 20 NSW

Read the full article below 👆🏾👆🏽👆🏼👆🏻👆🏿👆

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