The Young Neurodiversity Champions
are a group of rangatahi aged 15 to 23 standing up to change the way we think about neurodiversity and support young people in our education system.
We are looking for new Champions to join the team in 2024!
Apply now or help us spread the word.
We have gorgeous posters, banners and social media tiles to help you share.
Applications are due by 17 March.
Don't miss out!
What do the YNCs do?
Together, we are the Young Neurodiversity Champions and we are leading a movement for change across Aotearoa.
In March 2023, 15 neurodiverse young people from all over New Zealand came together at Parliament to tell our stories of education system failure and to advocate for reform.
Through 2023, we became a powerful voice for system change, heard loud and clear by politicians, bureaucrats, schools and education leaders.
In 2024, we will be taking the YNC message right across New Zealand to young people, school communities, businesses and community organisations.
We’ll be running workshops, headlining speaker events, contributing on panels, talking in the media and celebrating with a Neurodiversity Big Day Out for all neurodiverse young people in Wellington in July!
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In April 2024, the YNCs will visit Parliament in April to follow up on their pre-election advocacy work and to host their annual YNC MPs Lunch and a workshop. In July, they’ll be leading the Big Day Out celebration and presenting at the Festival for the Future, both in Wellington). In September, the YNCs will meet up in Auckland to review progress and strategise for the year ahead.
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Make sure to sign up to the mailing list to stay updated on all the action!
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Want to talk to us about having the YNCs at your event or visiting your school or organisation?
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About you
Being a YNC is an exciting opportunity - and a real responsibility that you’ll need to have the time and headspace to undertake.
You need to be between 15 and 23 years old and have lived experience with your own neurodiversity - whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
As a YNC, you'll need to be very comfortable sharing your story and speaking in public to a wide variety of people and audiences. We’re a very inclusive and supportive team though, and we’ll be there for you with lots of help and encouragement.
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You’ll need to be willing and able to contribute on average a few hours a week to your YNC role. We also have weekly hour-long Google Meet sessions together that you need to attend, and you are expected to do at least two speaking events a term. You get paid for your time preparing for and being part of these speaking events outside of Group Trips and all your costs are covered.
You'll also need to be able to participate in the three YNC Group Trips in April, July and September. All your travel, food and other costs are covered.
About You
Make sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and that being a YNC is a good fit for you
Your Experience
Share your basic details and give us an idea of your commitments and needs.
Your Story
You upload a 3-5 minute video of you sharing your neurodiversity story and the changes you want to see in our education system.
Your Crew
Share contact details for your parent/ guardian if you are under 18, and a referee who can tall about your skills, passion and commitment.
The Application Form has four parts:
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We can’t wait to receive your application. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at hello@neurodiversity.org.nz
Support our work
Undiagnosed and unsupported neurodiversity hurts all of us.
These young people are our chance to build new understanding and solutions. Unlocking the potential of our curious, creative, no box thinkers who see the world in a wholly different way is a prize worth investing in.
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We need partners and supporters to help these amazing young people lead this change in Aotearoa. Get in touch now to discuss how you or your organisation can get involved.
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