What is ruMAD?

ruMAD? is a dynamic mix of education, action, advocacy and events.

Think of ruMAD? as a toolkit that enables young people to lead social change and become active citizens. It is focused on values and led by students but benefits the whole community.

ruMAD? has five levels of MADness:

  • ruMAD? projects – sustainable social change projects that can be run within the school curriculum
  • MAD Day (Make A Difference Day) – one day of action as an ruMAD? taster, or a celebration of an ongoing project
  • ruMAD? student foundations – where students learn how to raise and grant money to make change in their world
  • ruMAD? youth ambassadors – students become advocates for the ruMAD? program and role models for leadership
  • ruMAD? social enterprises

Why is ruMAD? important?

“The learning framework underpinning ruMAD? reflects current thinking about developing student leadership. At the educational core of this program is a student-centred approach. And it is now widely accepted that connecting student-led learning to the community benefits both the learner and the community. By being flexible, ruMAD? is also adaptable across varying curriculum and learning environments.” Dr. Lucas Walsh, Director of Research, FYA

“[ruMAD?] students learn that they are important today, for what they can do, for the dreams and hopes they hold, and for the changes they can bring about.” Roger Holdsworth, Senior Research Associate, Uni Melb AYRC

How does ruMAD? work?

The ruMAD? program runs throughout the academic year and participants can access information and resources 24/7 through the ruMAD? website. FYA facilitates introductory workshops for groups of teachers and practitioners that have signed up to the program. Teachers can then help students to identify common values and the community issues that they want to address.

What does it cost?

ruMAD? is completely free for public schools, non-profit organisations and government-funded community agencies. FYA actively seeks philanthropic and corporate support to cover the costs of providing this service. There are nominal costs for non-government schools and organisations.

How can I get involved?

You can register here and join over 1,500 Australian schools and their students already making a difference to their communities.