#11: Michael Stainlay, all young people deserve an advocate

Michael Stainlay is a Transitions Advocate and Team Leader within a youth justice custodial setting. Michael has been a youth worker in alternative education settings for over 12 years, supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in Queensland and Victoria. He is passionate about holding high expectations of all young people and supporting them to reach their potential.

In this episode, Michael shares his journey from retail into youth work and how leaders in his early career supported him to develop his practice. He talks about the importance of being authentic and empowering young people when engaging in this work. Megan and Michael reflect on their time working in leadership together and learning from each other's practice (and also running a half marathon together). They discuss the importance of all young people having adults who believe in them, and who will advocate for them.

While some young people have been charged and convicted of crimes, we challenge you to:

- remember they are children

- consider the type of adults you'd like them to become in our communities

- consider what it might take to get them there

For those interested in learning about Eliud Kipchoge, here is a link to the documentary trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiI7eUX6o8U iud KipchogeEliud KipchogeEliud Kipchoge

Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute, https://wagtailinstitute.com/

Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/