Junior AECG Membership
The Junior AECG (JAECG) is a student committee that is established by a Local AECG (LAECG) and functions as an independent subcommittee of their LAECG.
The establishment and purpose of Junior AECGs works within the Aims and Objectives of the Association. Junior Membership is open to Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal students aged between ten (10) and eighteen (18) years of age. Throughout the year JAECG representatives will be invited to their LAECG committee meeting to share and report on JAECG activities within their school. It is also an opportunity for the JAECG to receive support and guidance from their LAECG and community. The LAECGs will then update the Regional AECG on the development and achievements of the JAECG. The JAECG committee is made up of elected Executive Committee and members. It is encouraged that Aboriginal Students hold executive positions.
Student Voice
The JAECG committee is a platform that gives students a voice and agency within their school community. Student voice is when students actively participate in the decision-making at school on things that shape their educational experiences.
Supporting Aboriginal students’ voices, having their ideas and opinions considered, establishes a student’s sense of belonging, positive relationships with teachers and peers and acknowledges their diverse and unique cultural identity. The JAECG collaborating with the school community is a consultative process which allows for stronger representation of Aboriginal Cultures throughout the school environment.
Aims
To ensure Aboriginal Cultures are represented and embedded throughout the school environment and curriculum.
To empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through real and active participation in school decision-making.
To provide a platform for Aboriginal student voice.
To advocate for Aboriginal Education.
Support members in addition to the LAECG
The School Executive staff
The AEO / Aboriginal SLSO
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (DET)
Teachers
Initial Contact
Schools to Contact your Local AECG Executive and discuss the possibilities of setting up a JAECG within your school. Parents can contact both school and LAECG to initiate the discussion.
Information Meeting
In consultation with the LAECG organise a meeting to share with students the roles and responsibilities of a JAECG member. The LAECG will provide a presentation based on the school setting.
Establishment Meeting
If there is enough interest within the school community and consultation with the Local AECG, the next step is to hold an Establishment meeting.
With the support of school staff, the LAECG will set the date, time, and place for the meeting. A meeting notice needs to be distributed to students, parents/carers and other school community members. The information should be circulated via normal school communications channels. An agenda will also need to be prepared for the meeting, which will be run by the Returning Officer appointed by the LAECG. The only item on this Agenda is the election.
Membership Applications have to be completed at this meeting and handed to LAECG members before voting the for executive committee.
Once you join as a JAECG member, you are encouraged to:
Attend as many meetings as possible.
Participates and contribute to the operations of their JAECG
Understanding of these rules; and
Acts accordingly with these Rules
Voting
The elections will be conducted by a Returning Officer (The returning officer is responsible for overseeing the election). The Returning Officer has to a member of the LAECG that is not working within the school.
Elections will be a secret ballot, however where there is one nomination for a position the nominated candidate is declared elected.
Executive Committee
Clearly explain to the members the roles and responsibilities of the executive committee. Creating and sharing a resource that can easily explain the roles and responsibilities is beneficial when you establish JAECGs.
Roles to be clarified
President
Vice President
Secretary
Assistant secretary (Optional). The role of the secretary entails taking minutes, creating agendas etc. The Assistant Secretary position can support the secretary in these roles