Name: Aaron Newton
Role in Scouts: SC&T Region Youth Commissioner
Day Job: Community Development/ Health Promotions
Hobbies and Interests: Mental Health, youth advocacy and empowerment, community development, health promotion, environmental education and awareness, hiking, kayaking and volunteering.
Favourite moment in Scouting: Watching a debate of youths about the importance of awareness of our personal and collective responsibility for issues facing our world. It was an incredible uplifting display of exploring and reflecting on our interaction with the world and our capacity to take action! It is one of my favourite moments as it shows the passion and tenacity of the youth to make a change in their world.
What inspired you to work with youth members? Growing up, Scouts shaped who I am by the experiences and people around me. It has had a huge impact on my life and I want to provide the same (if not more) opportunities to the youth! I am continually inspired by the efforts and passion of youths to take a constructive role in society and I want to assist to make it possible.
What key thing has a youth member said to you that has stayed with you? 'We can make a change!'
Why did you become a Youth Safe Advocate? I became of Youth Safe Advocate to better assist in supporting the needs of youth and support Scouts NSW child abuse strategies for prevention and intervention.
Why is the Youth Safe Advocate scheme important for Scouts NSW? It is important as it not only shares the message that everyone in scouting has a right to feel safe but provides strategies that build the capacity within members to make it a reality.
What is the key message you would everyone to remember about the Youth Safe Advocate scheme? The Youth Safe Advocates scheme is a commitment to educate and train people to best support the needs of youth members, to keep everyone safe. We are here for any member of our organisation to come and talk, we are all here to help.
