About Us
Why we started the Young Ambassadors
The Young Ambassadors believe that all Australians possess a perspective and an undeniable capacity to effect positive change in even the most complex and sensitive of societal conversations.
The Young Ambassadors is a national initiative of Dying with Dignity Victoria that seeks to provide younger Australians with the information, skills and platforms necessary to champion the cause of end-of-life rights with passion and conviction. Younger people advocating for the choice of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is significant for several reasons:
- Representation of future generations: Young people will ultimately inherit the policies and societal attitudes surrounding end-of-life care. Their involvement ensures that the voices and concerns of younger demographics are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
- Empathy and compassion: We need advocates driven by empathy and compassion to be a voice for the voiceless. Many young people are deeply motivated by the principles of dignity, autonomy, and quality of life.
- Challenge to stigma and misconceptions: Younger advocates can play a pivotal role in challenging traditional views, stigma and misconceptions surrounding VAD. By engaging in open and honest dialogue, they can help dispel myths, clarify misconceptions, and foster greater understanding and acceptance of VAD.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Advocacy for VAD often requires interdisciplinary collaboration, involving individuals from diverse backgrounds such as communications, medicine, law, ethics, and public policy. Younger advocates enrich the dialogue and can inform more holistic approaches to end-of-life care.
- Long-term impact and sustainability: Engaging younger generations in advocacy for VAD ensures the long-term sustainability of the movement, laying the groundwork for continued advocacy efforts and societal progress in this critical area for years to come.
The Young Ambassadors (YA) group also exists to be a voice for young people who seek to die with dignity or who require end-of-life options and information.
While requiring end-of-life care can be challenging for people of all ages, there are certain factors that may make it particularly difficult for young people:
Young Ambassadors
Facing the end of life at a young age can be profoundly distressing. Young people may experience heightened emotional and psychological challenges, including feelings of unfairness, anger or fear. They may struggle with unfulfilled aspirations and unfinished goals.
End-of-life care services are typically designed to cater to older people. Young people often have different needs -including capability to support continued schooling/working, facilities to host friends, technological capabilities etc.
Young people requiring end-of-life care may have young children, dependent family members, or financial responsibilities, such as mortgages or loans. This can impact their ability to receive care.
Young people typically do not anticipate or plan for end-of-life situations, before they are forced to make these important decisions.
As a society we are uncomfortable having conversations about the reality of young people dying.
