Peoples Republic of South Devon

Bigger Voices

January 15th, 2008

posted by Cptn

The next big election is far closer to home than the US presidential campaign, if only we could tear ourselves away… Throughout Devon schools, colleges and youth centres are gearing up to elect young people to the UK Youth Parliament and the Young People’s Shadow Executive.

Twenty young people aged between 11 and 18 set out yesterday on the hustings which lasts until Wednesday, January 23. The results will be announced at County Hall, Exeter, on Saturday, January 26. The successful members will take up their posts on February 1.

Three will take up the position of Members of UK Youth Parliament, three will be appointed Deputies to support them and six will be Members of the Young Peoples Shadow Executive, a body which is involved with Devon County Council’s top decision-makers.
It’s all part of the Bigger Voices… Better World campaign, which aims to get young people’s voices heard in policy-making.

As part of the election process, candidates took part in workshops where they wrote their manifestos and recorded a one-minute pledge, which will be shown in schools, youth centres and other projects around Devon. Young people will then be able to make their mark and vote using ballot boxes at these venues.

Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr John Smith, told the PRSD: “We are in our seventh year of a youth parliament in Devon, and many of the ideas and feedback resulting from our collaboration has already influenced decisions made by the Council. We are proud of our record in engaging young people, which has a tangible and beneficial impact on the way we work.”

Hear, hear! we say, especially now that political role models are few and far between.
Here’s a few comments from the South Devon candidates:

SOUTH HAMS, EXETER AND TEIGNBRIDGE
Becci Crocker
“I am most passionate about issues such as bullying and children’s rights.”

Sam Emerson
“Work is needed on targeting bullying in schools and making more places safe for young people.”

Laura Harris
“I am very passionate about recycling, young carers and bullying.”

Adeline Lavin–Ford
“There isn’t enough to promote recycling in schools, and the way young people are portrayed in the media – Why aren’t the achievements of young people being recognised?”

Emily Lewis
“I will work on improving learning support in schools and raising more awareness of specific difficulties.”

Annaliza Palmer
“My priority is drugs and drink awareness, especially binge drinking amongst vulnerable young teenage girls, and the exposure young people have to a variety of illegal drugs.”

Levi Roper
“My priorities are recycling, racism, disabled people and young people with learning disabilities and global warming.”

Hollie Savage
“Global warming is a big issue - it is going to affect us so we need to try and help.”

Entry Filed under: Society