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It all started way back at the beginning of 2002, when a class of second and
third year university students enrolled in a Government class at the University
of Sydney on consultation and deliberative democracy run by Dr Lyn Carson.
As part of the class we formed our own Citizens' Jury, taking on various roles
including juror and facilitator. This experience had such an effect on us that
when Dr Carson suggested that we could run a jury of our own, with young people,
we jumped at the idea, a project team was formed and a project titled "Parra
Youth Matters" began.
While we have very different interests, backgrounds, cultures and ambitions
we are united by our sincere belief in the importance of democracy and the
positive impacts that deliberation can have on people and their communities.
Please read below to find out more about us individually:
Dr Lyn Carson
Dr Carson joined the discipline in 1999. Her research interest is in
public participation in government decision making. Her recent book (with
Brian Martin) Random Selection in Politics, explores innovative
consultative mechanisms, some of which have been trialed by Dr Carson
in Australia.
As a former elected representative in local government, Dr Carson has
a particular interest in this sphere. She has written widely on community
consultation and has been involved with the design, management or implementation
of consensus conferences, citizens' juries, televotes and deliberative
polls. |
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Samantha Allen
Samantha is entering her Honours year in Government and International
Relations, as part of her Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) degree.
Samantha has been tutoring Primary and High school students since 1999,
within her community. Through her role within the University of Sydney
Union, she also worked in the development and presentation of career
seminars for several groups of year ten students in 2001. Lastly she
was actively involved in the development of the "International Youth
Parliament", as established by Oxfam Community Aid Abroad from 1999
- 2000. |
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James Cullen
James is currently entering his Honours year in Government and International
Relations, in a Bachelor of Economics (Social Science) Degree at the
University of Sydney. James has undergone substantial work experience
with the Public Relations Office of Parramatta Council (1998) and has
been involved in youth activities in the Parramatta area, such as the
Parramatta Youth Council (1999). Lastly, James is co-founder and Treasurer
of Polisoc (Government Students Society) and consequently, grappling
with the implementation of a more inclusive consultative mechanism for
student involvement in social and public events. |
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Rebecca Hicks
Rebecca is currently in her fourth year of an Economics/Law degree
at the University of Sydney. She is interested in policy development
and public education and is completing her major in Government & International
Relations and Economics. Rebecca teaches dancing once a week to kids
between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. She also volunteers at the National
Children's and Youth Legal Centre. |
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Frances Phillips
Frances is entering her Honours year, at the University of Sydney as
part of a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences), where she majored
Government and International Relations and Political Economy. She is
completing her Honours in Government in 2003. |
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Christopher Sargant
Christopher is studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney,
majoring in Government and International Affairs and Asian Studies. In
his fourth year he will complete his Honours which will focus on deliberative
processes in Australia as well as throughout the world. He has worked
with young people in a diverse range of fields including youth care and
teaching drama. |
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Marc Tutaan
Marc studied psychology at the University of Sydney. His experience
with young people include tutoring, volunteering at the International
Youth Parliament and being a delegate to the 2001 Youth Summit associated
with the United Nations World Conference against Racism. |
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Lorien Vecellio
Lorien has just finished his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University
of Sydney. He studied Government and International Relations, Philosophy
and Psychology. He worked as a facilitator in the citizens Jury run by
the class in 2002 and hopes that by working on the project, he will help
young people think and talk more about issues (and be heard!). Lorien
has also worked as a tutor, with young people. |
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Maria Zuza
Maria is an education student at the University of Sydney. She has
established a voluntary tutoring program at an inner city school and
is active in making sure that youth affairs are dealt with fairly and
in accordance with basic human rights. |
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