Young people urged to make a stand
Warwickshire County Council is urging young people to get involved in local and national democracy by standing for Parliament.
Young people in Warwickshire, aged between 11 and 18, are invited to stand as the county’s new Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs).
Once elected, MYPs are responsible for representing the views and interests of young people in their constituency both locally and nationally. During their term of office MYPs meet Councillors, MPs and other decision makers to take forward issues of local importance.
This year’s MYPs have brought many youth issues to the fore including the debate about teenage pregnancy by campaigning for better relationship and sex education in Warwickshire’s schools.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe Cabinet Member (Children’s Services) said:
“We value highly the contribution that Warwickshire’s Members of Youth Parliament have made over the past year and we urge other young people to step forward and make their views and concerns heard.”
Application packs will be available via youth centres and schools from 6th November, or by calling County Youth Services on 01926 742 497 and through the website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youthandcommunity. The closing date for applications is 12th December 2006.
The aim of the Youth Parliament is to give young people in the UK a voice which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. UKYP has the support of Prime Minister Tony Blair, Leader of the Opposition David Cameron, and the Leader of the Liberal Democrats Menzies Campbell.
The elections are organised by Warwickshire County Council’s Services to Young People. Local schools and youth clubs assist in the process as polling stations and facilitators. The campaigning period will start in January and voting week will take place from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 February.