Miriam Lyons - media, arts & political advocate

Author: Youth 2 Youth

Miriam Lyons is one of the founders of the Nexus Youth Network, an independent youth organisation dedicated to supporting youth-run projects and providing young people with creative opportunities to engage with politics, media and the arts.

Now working in East Timor as the In-house Media Mentor for the Timor Post, Miriam was involved in setting up www.vibewire.net and is the founder and coordinator of Interface - a national festival of ideas on media, democracy and education.

Miriam spent the last two years completing her BA at the University of New South Wales in Political Science and Environmental Studies and in her spare time volunteers for the think-tank OzProspect, working towards the establishment of 'Square One' - an incubator space for youth-run projects in media, arts, and social change.

How would you describe yourself and what do you value?

Miriam: I'm a compulsive project organiser with a passion for social justice and an unhealthy obsession with being useful. I make up for my inherent laziness by dreaming up crazy ideas and then committing myself to making them happen.

I value creative, practical, open-minded approaches to social problems, but I think deep down I really just want to sing blues every day in a smoky bar.

Best 'business' book you've ever read?

Miriam: 'How to Argue with an Economist' by Lindy Edwards, and 'The Divine Right of Capital' by Margaret Goodrich is also very good.

Favourite quote that inspires or guides you?

Miriam: "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin today" - Goethe

Most valuable lessons you've learned?

Miriam: Think big, dream huge, but plan small. The only exceptions to this are if you've done it before and the project has exceeded your expectations, or if you're working with someone you trust who has done it before. The first time you initiate a project, the potential for expansion should be in the back of your mind, not the front.

When working with others, be reasonable in your expectations, particularly in regards to time commitment. Communicate constantly - five minutes invested in communication can save several hours resolving conflict. Ensure that everyone involved has meaningful input into the project and its direction. Try to create clear guidelines about rights, responsibilities and decision-making.

Advice for young people interested in starting their own business or project?

Miriam: Talk to everyone. You never know who might have good advice or good contacts so network your arse off, do your research, and learn how to talk the jargon.

BUT don't get so caught up in trying to fit in or get funding that you forget who you started the project for (or with). Don't let people warp the project, compromise your values, or alienate your members/customers, just because they're offering you a lot of money. In the long run I believe that any project or business that loses the respect and trust of its members, audience or organisers will eventually fail.

To read the rest of Miriam's story...and the experiences and advice of other young business, social and eco entrepreneurs, download a free copy of the Blueprint book or video from the Youth 2 Youth website homepage.

The Blueprint Case Study Book & Video were compiled as a result of a series of enterprising workshops run throughout Australia to provide young people with the skills they need to turn their ideas into reality. Youth 2 Youth run the Blueprint workshops in partnership with The International Young Professionals Foundation. For more info about hosting or running a Blueprint workshop Ph: 02 9484 7722 or contact karen@youth2youth.com.au

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

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