The Brightest Young Minds (BYM) Foundation aims to foster a new model of leadership in the emerging generation of young Australians. We live in a society dominated by stories of irreversible environmental damage, a bleak economic outlook, deplorable acts of terrorism and an ongoing lack of trust in governments’ abilities to represent their people. For some, this saturation of negativity offers little hope for a positive future. For others, these challenges simply present an opportunity to revolutionise the way we feel, think and act. Offering 100 young Australians the chance to collaborate on and develop their world-changing ideas, The Brightest Young Minds Summit is one such opportunity.
The BYM Summit brings together 100 of the country’s most talented, dynamic, creative young people from all disciplines to meet in Sydney for five intensive days. At the annual Summit, delegates share dialogue around some of the most crucial issues facing society. Throughout the course of the week, these enthusiastic young delegates are exposed to internationally-respected social entrepreneurs, and socially responsible corporations, who give them the tools to turn their passions into tangible initiatives.
The purpose of the BYM Summit is to allow these exceptional individuals to collaborate on the development of new social initiatives which they will ultimately launch and run themselves. Through the experience of the Summit and participating in the development of new initiatives, the Brightest Young Minds delegates are inspired by what they can achieve for themselves and for others. They remain grounded and cognoscente of how difficult change is to bring about but they will lead with discipline, commitment and, most importantly, success. They will be emulated by others, setting off a ripple effect across Australia’s youth.
The BYM Foundation promotes the idea that it is possible to be successful, powerful and responsible economic players, as well as significant change agents who can positively affect the pressing social issues facing Australia and the world.
The BYM delegates of the 2007 and 2008 Summits are already blazing a trail for others to follow. Below are a few of the initiatives they have already launched:
The Bipolar Expedition: Expeditions to the North and South Poles, commencing late 2009, with the aim of increasing public awareness of bipolar disorder and to generate support for curative research.
The Young Women's Network: Adopted by UNIFEM Australia, the Young Women’s Network provides an opportunity for women under the age of 35 to become involved in international community development and social justice work.
Night Commute:Adopted by The Oaktree Foundation, Night Commute is an event focused on increasing awareness and raising funds for the rehabilitation of former child soldiers.
The Grounded Project:A Melbourne-based creative arts festival focused on increasing the social inclusion of young refugees in Australia taking place in June 2009.
At BYM we want the brightest Australia has to offer. Strong academic results demonstrate intelligence but BYM is about more than IQ. If you can lead or influence others, if you are creative and can come up with visionary ideas, if you are passionate about the improvement of society, if you believe you have the commitment to play a vital supporting role in a new initiative, or if you are looking for an experience that will challenge you to leap to new heights, we encourage you to apply for the 2009 Brightest Young Minds Summit, to be held in Sydney from 27 September to 2 October.
