The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation has assembled the next generation of leaders tasked with shaping how the youth of the west can make the most of their experience in the Foundation’s community programs into the future.

‘Bark for Youth’ has been established, a youth advisory group made up of 14 former Foundation program participants aged between 14-16.

The group’s members have previously participated in Foundation programs including the Youth Leadership Project, GOAL mentoring program and Nallei-Jerring.

While they have been working together digitally for the past two months, the Bark for Youth participants met for the first time in person at VU Whitten Oval last week, where they were engaged by Foundation and Club staff on the organisation’s goals and objectives for 2021.

The group will work together to develop and deliver projects that aim to address a range of topics, including gender equity, mental health, social inclusion, intercultural understanding, environmental sustainability and popular culture and its effects.

“It was great to have such an engaged group of young people in at the Club, and we look forward to working with them further,” said Foundation General Manager, Kashif Bouns.

“It is so important for the football club and Community Foundation to connect with the younger generation, as they are vital to our future growth and longevity.

“I was especially impressed with the maturity of these participants and their eagerness to develop into future leaders.”

It is hoped that after their 2021 program is complete, the group will become a Youth Advisory Group for the Foundation, playing a key role in discussing a range of topics with the Club to ensure it is always incorporating the youth perspective in its plans.

“I had such a fantastic time at Whitten Oval, and it was so great to be able to have a face-to-face meeting with my peers,” said new Bark for Youth member, Bella.

“I am especially excited about this project, as it has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion of graphic design.  I was lucky enough to have a meeting with a member of the Bulldogs’ design team who gave me career advice and tips on how to advance my skills.” 

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is aiming to return to an in-person program delivery this year, after moving all of their programs online in the covid-19 impacted 2020 year.

Registration for the 2021 Youth Leadership Project is now open for people in the west aged between 14-16 years old. Find out more about how to get involved.