Youth Week: Aimee Keokotavong

This week (19th - 25th May) is Youth Week, a week all about celebrating young people – your voices, talents, and the amazingness you bring to your whānau, your friends and your communities. This year’s theme is Whai Wāhitanga – Take our Place. This is all about belonging to spaces and communities, encouraging young people to speak up and own who they are and reaching proudly for their dreams. It's an invitation: not just to dream, but to act!

As part of Youth Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our newest board members, Aimee Keokotavong to learn about their motivations and experiences from a youth perspective on our Board. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What made you decide to volunteer for this role?

A: I wanted to gain finance experience and see how volunteer organisations work. I was eager to understand the not-for-profit financial processes and learn about the inner workings of a board. Additionally, I wanted to develop my critical thinking skills and have the opportunity to contribute to the community where I feel my voice can be heard.

Q: How has your journey been so far on the board?

A: It's been incredibly rewarding! Through my interactions with the board, I've enhanced my understanding of Te Tiriti and its significance in our organisation's approach. I feel happy to be a board member, as my opinions are valued, and I truly appreciate being part of a team that makes a difference.

Q: What advice would you give to others who might want to volunteer?

A: If you value contributing to a community or want to grow as a person, volunteering is a great place to start. Because you’re stepping into an unfamiliar setting, it is normal to feel uncomfortable at first, but your willingness to try something unfamiliar is already a step in the right direction. For me, volunteering has been a stepping stone as I’ve become more confident in expressing my ideas and the board recognises my growth. Volunteering is a personal journey and just putting yourself out there shows that you are capable of making a difference.