the youth sector in conversation

communities of practice

YACSA’s Communities of Practice bring together people working across the youth sector in South Australia to reflect, share insights and strengthen practice together.

These structured, discussion-based sessions create space for practitioners to explore emerging issues, exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others working across different roles, organisations and regions.

Communities of Practice are not training sessions, consultations or presentations. They are facilitated peer-learning spaces focused on practical insight, shared problem-solving and connection across the sector.

Each session:

  • focuses on a current practice issue or challenge

  • encourages discussion and shared reflection

  • supports cross-sector learning and connection

  • values practical experience and diverse perspectives

  • aims to provide ideas and insights participants can apply in their own work.

Sessions run bi-monthly and are free for people working across the youth sector in South Australia. They are hosted online to support participation from metropolitan, regional and remote communities.

Participants are welcome to attend individual sessions or join regularly as part of an ongoing community of practice.

upcoming session

Events calendar
Meaningful youth participation in practice
July 30
Meaningful youth participation in practice

Across the youth sector, there is growing recognition that young people should have meaningful influence over the decisions that affect their lives. But what does meaningful youth participation actually look like in practice? How do we move beyond consultation to create opportunities for young people to shape services, organisations and systems? 

Together, with guest speaker Katie Acheson, we'll explore: 

  • International examples of youth participation that create lasting impact. 

  • Local SA examples of what meaningful youth participation looks like in practice. 

  • Models of youth participation that are creating genuine influence and impact. 

  • The organisational systems, culture and conditions that enable young people's influence to be sustained. 

  • Common barriers to meaningful youth participation, and practical strategies to overcome them. 

  • Ideas, tools and approaches you can apply within your own organisation and community. 

Whether you're new to youth work and looking to build your understanding of youth participation, or an experienced practitioner seeking to strengthen youth participation within your organisation, this session offers practical insights, shared learning and opportunities to connect with peers also working in this space. 

Places are limited to support meaningful discussion – register to secure your place.

register now

explore previous sessions

Events calendar
Responding to complexity
May 28
Responding to complexity

Young people are presenting with intersecting needs, such as housing instability, mental health challenges, and disability, which can stretch the capacity of services to respond effectively. At the same time, the youth sector brings unique strengths: the ability to meet young people where they are at and work alongside them through relational, flexible approaches that support a broad range of needs.

Engaging Young People: what's changing and what's working
Mar 26
Engaging Young People: what's changing and what's working

Many services are noticing shifts in how young people engage - with services, institutions and each other. Approaches that worked previously may not be landing in the same way. The aim of this session is to strengthen our collective understanding of what's shifting and build practical knowledge we can take back into our teams.