YMCA - Why Not?

    Why now?

    Why Not? is a new online space for young Australians supported by the YMCA in Australia. Why Not? is for young Australians, by young Australians – it’s a platform to amplify our voices, support and learn from each other, and resist stereotypes. We have opinions just like everyone else – and we deserve to be heard. The Why Not? campaign was created by the YMCA in Australia to help young voices be...

    Latest articles

    Youth EmpowermentYouth Mental Health

    Youth Summit

    YMCA Youth Summit 28/05/2018 – Arts Centre Melbourne Book your tickets here   It’s time for some fresh thinking on Mental Health. Currently 1 in 4 young people experience a mental illness like anxiety or...

    Posted by YMCA

    3 min read
    Youth Mental Health

    Beating the stigma together

    Currently there is a huge stigma surrounding mental health and mental health issues. How can you help destroy the stigma and support those who need it?

    Words by Rachel Harvey

    1 min read
    Youth Mental Health

    Put your posters up!

    Tonight I witnessed something. Something that demonstrated to me, exactly what impact looks like. Without clicks, likes, comments or shares. Just face to face, real life human impact.

    Words by Georgie Nichol

    2 min read
    Youth Mental Health

    Ungirly: a manifesto

    Though I am an AFAB (assigned female at birth) and use the pronouns “she/her”, I have grappled with gender presentation my entire life. As a young child in Sri Lanka, I learned all about what it meant to be a girl...

    Words by Devana, 23

    6 min read

    Issues

    For creators

    The campaign

    What is the website for? Why Not? is a new online space for young Australians supported by the YMCA in Australia. Why Not? is for young Australians, by young Australians – it’s a platform to amplify our voices, support...

    1 min read

    Have your say

    It’s a platform to amplify our voices, support and learn from each other, and resist stereotypes. We have opinions just like everyone else – and we deserve to be heard.

    1 min read

    How do you submit content?

    Ready to submit your work? Great! You can submit your work via this link Alternatively, if you have hassles accessing the link please email your submission to: whynot@ymca.org.au What kind of content are we looking for...

    2 min read

    Will I be paid?

    YMCA is committed to paying up to five young people for their contributions each month, for $50 each. From time to time, we may also directly commission work on topical issues! An editorial committee of young people...

    1 min read

    How to invoice

    For a lot of younger emerging writers, invoicing can be a daunting process. Maybe Why Not? is the first place you’ve written for, and you’re not sure how it all works. That’s OK! Every writer was in this position once...

    2 min read

    Keep asking… Why Not?