Young People: Make Your Voice Heard in Local Democracy Week

Local Democracy Week, which runs from the 13-19 October, sees Staffordshire Youth Service, along with UKYP, launch its campaign to get more young people involved in local Youth Parliament Elections, and become a Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP). 

Run by young people, UKYP provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to really make a difference, not just to their local area, but to the United Kingdom as a whole.

Previous MYPs from Staffordshire have taken part in a televised debate in the House of Lords Chamber; met with senior Government officials; and been involved in regional and national campaigns including the reduction/abolition of university fees, changes in the way drug and alcohol education is delivered, and, more recently, a project to raise awareness of the impact of bullying on young people in the county.

Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Councillor John Taylor said:  "It is extremely important to get young people interested and passionate about local democracy.  By becoming a member of the UK Youth Parliament, young people can make their voices heard on a number of issues, and really make a difference."

County Councillor Eric Drinkwater, support member for the Youth Service said:  "Young people in Staffordshire have a fantastic track record when it comes to getting involved in the UK Youth Parliament elections.  Last year, young people cast over 12,500 votes, putting the county in amongst the top UKYP elections across the country.  The elections really are about young people being given a voice, and, more importantly, having that voice heard."
The UK Youth Parliament elections are all about young people who want to make a difference. 

Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament said:  "Our elections process helps to find the young people who are most passionate about making a difference in their communities. That passion for positive change is absolutely key to being a successful MYP, and we then support them to use a range of creative ways to make a difference. Young people have such a range of talents that can be used to help them make a difference."

If you are aged between 11-18, and would like to stand as a UKMYP candidate, telephone 01889 256181 or email yak@staffordshire.gov.uk to request an application pack and get more information.  The deadline for application returns is November 25, 2008.