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Peer-led education program:
affirmative consent, sexual rights, pleasure and
sexual violence prevention
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About Taking ACtion.
Taking ACtion: Affirmative Consent in the North is a peer-led education and community engagement project that focuses on affirmative consent, sexual rights, pleasure and sexual violence prevention. The project is aimed at young people aged 15-25 years who live, work, study, play, volunteer or have another connection to the north metropolitan region of Melbourne.
The Taking ACtion project aims to empower young people to ensure their sexual experiences are safe, pleasurable, respectful and consensual. Led by our Youth Action Group (YAG) we are creating exciting resources and delivering peer-educator designed workshops to young people.​
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​​Getting involved with Taking ACtion means you’ll be a part of the necessary steps towards ending sexual violence. You will be part of the changing landscape of sex, pleasure and consent education in Victoria.
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Workshops
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Do you work with young people in the north metro region?
​Book our peer-educator workshops today!
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ConSensual
Zine
Check out ConSensual, our zine exploring what affirmative consent means.
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Youth Action Group
Are you a young person who lives, works, plays or studies in the north metro region?
Learn about joining the YAG.
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​​​​Curious and want some more information, our team would love to hear from you
ConSensual
A zine exploring what affirmative consent means through art, writing and facts.
ConSensual is a zine created by the Youth ACtion Group (YAG) as part of the Taking ACtion project. ConSensual was made by young people for young people. It's full of practical information plus some artistic and insightful pieces from creative contributors exploring what consent means to them. ConSensual is a way of sharing important information in a fun, accessible way that explores consent in inclusive and authentic ways.
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ConSensual is an invitation to join the conversation about affirmative consent.
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Affirmative consent is a way of thinking about and understanding consent that moves away from “no means no” and towards an understanding that everyone is responsible for seeking sexual consent. Consent only be given if clear words or actions are used to show that everyone understands and agrees to what is happening. It means sexual partners need to check in with each other. Consent can never be assumed. Consent means ongoing and mutual communication and decision-making.
In Victoria there are new affirmative consent laws that came into effect on 30 July 2023.
FROM THE YAG
"We’ve loved getting to work on this project. It’s been such a fulfilling experience, and we’ve had the opportunity to learn so much and be able to turn what we have learned into action. Being able to publish this zine and be involved in all the other project activities really feels like we are making a difference."
Thank you to all the incredible people who were involved in creating ConSensual
About the Youth Action Group.
The Taking ACtion Youth Action Group (YAG) is a group of young people who play a key role in educating and engaging their peers in conversations about affirmative consent, respectful and positive sexual experiences and sexual violence prevention.
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YAG participants have received expert delivered, age-appropriate training in topics related to sexual health, sexual violence prevention and peer education skills, for example sexual and reproductive rights, affirmative consent, responding to disclosures and influencing peers. The YAG training is delivered by qualified and experienced staff from Women's Health in the North, Banksia Gardens Community Services and expert organisations like Kids First and Northern Community Legal Centre.
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There are many exciting opportunities for people with different skill sets and experiences. YAG members will develop personal and professional skills and knowledge that can support them now and into the future.
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Although, we LOVE upskilling and advocacy, joining the YAG is also an opportunity to make new connections and friendships with others who share the same passion for consent and sexual health advocacy.
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Who are the YAG?
Young people aged 15-25 who live, work, play, study or volunteer in the Hume area.
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What do the YAG do?
The YAG will have the opportunity to:
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Co-design affirmative consent workshops for other young people aged 15 -25 years
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Co-facilitate affirmative consent workshops in community settings like youth services and sporting clubs
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Develop a multimedia project that promotes affirmative consent
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Plan a youth forum event as part of Sexual Health Week 2024
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We appreciate the time and commitment of YAG members. YAG members will receive a $150 gift voucher every 3 months to recognise their participation.
What are the benefits for YAG members?
There are lots of benefits for YAG participants, other young people and the wider community including:
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Develop knowledge and understanding of sexual rights, sexual health and affirmative consent.
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Learn how to better talk to your peers about sexual rights, pleasure, consent and preventing sexual violence.
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Have opportunities to develop skills and confidence in designing and coordinating a project, facilitation and peer-education.
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Take a leadership role and be a changemaker in the local community.
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Meet like minded people and be part of the changing landscape of affirmative consent education in Victoria.
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Contribute to a pilot project that will be evaluated and inform future planning and programs in Victoria.
Expressions of interest to join the YAG are now closed
Although expressions of interest to join the YAG are currently closed, we are always excited to hear from people who are interested in getting involved.
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If you are interested in joining the YAG please send us an email or give us a call on 9309 8531.
We would love to hear from you and have a chat.
Workshops.
The YAG have designed three inclusive, engaging, interactive affirmative consent workshops for young people aged 15 - 25 years.
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There are two options available for booking:
Series of 2 x 90min workshops
1 x stand alone 2-hour workshop
The series of two is the preferred option to maximise impact and understanding.
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The workshops are designed to be delivered in person. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss online delivery.
Affirmative Consent 101
90 minutes
The first workshop in the series focuses on building an understanding of affirmative consent.
Activities and discussion focus on the key concepts of consent and affirmative consent, situations when consent is not possible, affirmative consent legislation and affirmative consent in practice (scenarios).
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At the end of the workshop participants will have:
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Increased awareness and understanding of affirmative consent including the legislative changes.
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Increased understanding of the importance of affirmative consent.
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Increased comfort when talking about affirmative consent.
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Increased understanding of ways to put affirmative consent into action.
Affirmative Consent 101 +
120 minutes
The stand-alone workshop is the Affirmative Consent 101 workshop plus an additional activity from the Communication + Consent workshop. The additional activity focuses on communicating consent and boundaries with respect and safety and caring for self and partner.
Communication + Consent
90 minutes
The second workshop in the series builds on the foundation set in the first workshop.
Activities and discussions focus on exploring what sex is and the importance of consent for all sexual activity, sexual rights, and communicating consent and boundaries with respect and safety.
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At the end of the workshop participants will have:
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Increased understanding of ways to put affirmative consent into action.
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Increased understanding of ways to respectfully respond when someone communicates a sexual boundary.
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Increased understanding of how actions can impact others including how they can make other people feel.
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Increased confidence and skills to communicate consent and boundaries.
Bookings now available
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FREE affirmative consent workshops designed and delivered by YAG peer-educators
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Learn more about affirmative consent, sexual rights, safety, respect and communication
How to book​
Please complete the booking request form and email the completed form to tash.g@banksiagardens.org.au
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Alternatively, please get in touch to have a chat
About the workshops.
How many participants can attend a workshop?
The workshops are designed for groups of around 10 – 15 participants, however smaller or larger groups are possible.
Where can the workshops be delivered?
The priority area for delivery is Hume, however workshops can be delivered throughout the wider north metro region.
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Workshops can be delivered at the venue where groups usually meet or we may be able to provide a venue if needed.
Who facilitates the workshops?
The workshops are facilitated by at least two Taking ACtion YAG peer educators. Peer educators are always supported by Taking ACtion project staff, with project staff present at all workshops.
Who are the workshops for?
Groups of young people aged 15-25 years in community settings in the north metro region. The workshops are designed to be delivered to existing groups in youth and community settings, for example youth services, sporting clubs, community groups, tertiary education settings.
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The workshops intended to complement the respectful relationships curriculum delivery in schools. The workshops are not able to be delivered in schools as part of classroom curriculum delivery. If you work in a school and are interested in the workshops, please get in touch to have a chat about what else may be available.
What is provided as part of the workshop?
All of the workshop materials are supplied. We can also provide snacks or catering if required.
YAG FAQs.
Q: What is the Taking ACtion project?
A: The Taking ACtion project is a peer-led initiative aiming to educate young people aged 15 to 25 in the Hume area about affirmative consent, sexual pleasure and the prevention of sexual violence so that everyone in the community knows what it means to be treated with respect.
​Q: When is the YAG training?
A: The expert delivered, interactive YAG training will be held during the summer school holidays. It is expected that training will be over 2 full days or 3 half days in late January 2024. The final training details will be confirmed with participants.
If you are keen to join Taking ACtion but are concerned about the attendance requirements, please reach out to us directly on 9309 8531
Q: Where will the project activities be held?
A: YAG training and meetings will be held at Banksia Gardens Community Services, 71-81 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows.
Q: What if I'm older than 18 or younger than 15?
A: If you're interested in becoming a YAG member but outside the age range we are currently recruiting for, get in touch using the form below or calling us directly on 9309 8531. We'd love to hear from you and have a chat.
Q: How much does it cost to join the YAG?
A: The program is free to join. In fact, as a YAG member you will be compensated for your time and commitment to the program!
Q: What is the Taking ACtion Youth Action Group (YAG)?
A: The Youth Action Group (YAG) for the Taking Action project is a group of young people who will play a key role in educating and engaging their peers in conversations about sexual pleasure, affirmative consent and how to prevent sexual violence through designing and delivering workshops, developing media resources and hosting other events.
​Q: What is covered in the YAG training?
The YAG training is delivered by qualified and experienced staff from Women’s Health In the North, Banksia Gardens Community Services and expert organisations like Kids First and Northern Community Legal Centre.
The age-appropriate YAG training covers topics including:
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Sexual health and pleasure perspectives
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Sexual and reproductive rights
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Boundaries and communication
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Affirmative consent
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Sexual violence and prevention
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Media literacy
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Bystander action
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Responding to disclosures
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Responding to resistance and backlash
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Influencing peers
Q: Am I eligible to join the YAG?
A: YAG membership is open to anyone aged between 15 and 25 years old of any gender, sexuality, ability or background, who is connected to the Hume area. Currently we are seeking applications from people aged 15-18. Spaces are limited!
Q: What if I'm older than 18 or younger than 15?
A: If you're interested in becoming a YAG member but outside the age range we are currently recruiting for, get in touch using the form below or calling us directly on 9309 8531. We'd love to hear from you and have a chat.
Q: What commitment does the YAG involve?
YAG members will be required to participate in the YAG training (more details below). Following this, fortnightly meetings will be held to plan and coordinate the other program activities (workshops, multimedia project and youth forum) and YAG members are expected to attend the majority of these meetings.
Fortnightly meetings will be held throughout the project. Meetings began in 2023 with our first group of YAG members and will continue until September 2024. We decide as a group if we want to take a break during school holidays.
Q: What activities will YAG members be involved in?
A: During the program, all YAG members will be trained to confidently lead and safely facilitate workshops that explore sexual rights, respectful and positive sexual experiences and affirmative consent with their peers. YAG members will also have the opportunity to be involved in the development of a multimedia project that promotes affirmative consent in the community, as well as help to organise a youth forum in September 2024.
Q: Can guys join the YAG?
A: Absolutely! Taking ACtion is an inclusive project. We encourage applications from people of all genders, identities, backgrounds and experiences who have an interest in sexual health and consent.
Q: Oh no, YAG applications have closed but I want to be involved. What can I do?
A: We're excited to hear you want to be involved with the Taking ACtion program. Please get in touch using the form below or calling us directly on 9309 8531. We'd love to hear from you and have a chat.
