Young people from across the city are being invited to put themselves forward to become members of Stoke-on-Trent City Youth Council.
The Council is looking for twenty young people aged between 11 and 18 years old to represent the views of their peers in the city. Voting will take place between February 15th and 26th and ballot boxes will be placed in schools, colleges and youth centres as candidates campaign to get themselves elected.
To help those interested in taking their first step on the democratic ladder, a special “Candidate Day” will be held at the Civic Centre in Stoke on Saturday January 23rd between 10:00am and 2:00pm, where young people will be able to find out how the Youth Council works, what they will have to do if elected and be given advice on how to write a campaign speech. Entry to the building will be via the front door of the Town Hall in Glebe Street.
Organiser Louise Cooke, from the city council’s youth development team, said:” Working as a member of the youth council is hard work, but also very rewarding. You get the chance to highlight the issues which affect other young people, but also get involved in the decision making process. Members also have regular meetings with city councillors to learn about the senior democratic system and also decide which groups receive help from the Youth Opportunities Fund. ”
Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, Councillor Ian Mitchell, said: “This is a golden opportunity for any young person to get involved in influencing decisions that will affect young people across the city. Involvement with the Youth Council will also help them gain confidence, raise communication and listening skills and gain valuable experience of public speaking. I would encourage any young person who wants to make a difference in the city to put themselves forward as a candidate.”
Two members from the Youth Council are chosen to represent the city at the UK Youth Parliament.
Louise Cooke added: “Being a member of the Youth Council gives the individual the opportunity to help their local community and get other people’s voices heard. It isn’t all hard graft though ““ there’s plenty of time to make new friends and socialise, too!”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Youth Council is asked to contact Louise Cooke on 07900 135739.