SCEAA welcomed more than 40 delegates representing diverse fields within social and citizenship education at the 2024 conference. Attendees came from a variety of sectors, including non-profit organisations, schools, teacher education and universities, advocacy groups, and individual advocates. Their work, rooted both in Australia and globally, reflects a shared commitment to fostering critical discussions and advancing meaningful ways forward in our field.

One of the key highlights of the event was the opportunity to broaden and deepen our professional connections and identify potential allies. Bringing together such a rich and diverse group allowed for collaboration, reflection, and the strengthening of networks that will be pivotal as we collectively work towards the future.

Feedback from delegates underscored the significance of reconnecting face-to-face. There was an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the opportunity to engage in meaningful, in-person dialogue once again. Importantly, there is a clear desire and motivation from delegates to keep the momentum going, building on the relationships, ideas, and energy generated during this gathering.

As we look forward, our collective efforts will continue to prioritise the building of partnerships, advocacy for social and citizenship education, and the creation of spaces for ongoing dialogue and action. This event marks not only a moment of reconnection but a renewed commitment to working together toward a shared vision.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the conference happen! You can read through the conference program, including papers and links to additional information, below.

Dr Keith Heggart recently spoke to Jenna Price of The Canberra Times and The Echnida newsletter to discuss the idea of lowering the voting age in Australia. In the context of the upcoming Voice Referendum, Price writes:

"We hear a great deal from young people who want to be able to vote at 16. Good on them. I thoroughly endorse the idea of broadening political participation. These are the folks who inherit the future so should surely have some say on how it pans out. The latest polling shows over two-thirds of people under 34 support the voice to parliament. And over 55s? Only one in four supports the voice."

Keith Heggart continues the discussion of what it means to be part of a vibrant, participatory democracy with dismay at emerging trends for Australians to abrogate responsibility for finding out information in the lead up to the act of voting. "It privileges a passive and limited conception of citizenship that is at odds with what it means to be a citizen in Australia, and makes a mockery of Australia's long history of civic action and engagement."

To read more, visit the article here.

Many SCEAA members would be aware of Roger Holdsworth, who for a long time published a student agency magazine called Connect. Although Connect wound up last year, some young people have taken on the role of promoting student voice, through a new magazine called ReConnectEd! 

Here's a message from Roger: 

ReConnectedEd is edited and published by a small editorial group consisting of current and recent school students, school teachers, University academics and researchers, policy workers and representatives of support organisations. It is hosted by the Australian Council for Student Voice, and will be available through their website - where the first issue is already available.

ReConnectEd has three aims: 
 

• Document student participation approaches and initiatives
• Support reflective practices among those working to increase student participation 
• Develop and share access to resources  

 
The first issue will be published shortly both on-line and as a PDF, with fascinating stories of practices in primary and secondary schools. 

In order to be alerted to new issues and receive copies (for FREE) you will need to subscribe to it by e-mailing to: [email protected]  and ask to be added to the mailing list.

We've also attached the first issue to this message.
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The Social and Citizenship Education Association of Queensland (SCEAQ) is offering five SCEAA members the opportunity to complete the 'Leading Education for Global Citizenship and Global Competence' microcredential from Central Queensland University for free.
 
The self guided modules take around 8 hours to complete, and  will:

• enhance your understanding of education for global competence and how it relates to the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning framework
• equip you with the resources, evidence-based practices and practitioner case studies you need to foster a culture of global citizenship in your school, centre or classroom
• develop your leadership potential in the field of education for global citizenship, which could assist with your future career goals.

If you are interested, please email Judy Moore at [email protected]
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