UK Youth Parliament
If you feel like politicians aren't bothered about young people maybe it's time to do something about it. Find out about the UK Youth Parliament and how you can get involved.
What is the UK Youth Parliament?
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aims to give young people (aged 11 to 18) in the UK a voice at a local and national level. It consists of over 400 elected members, who represent what is known as a constituency - much like a regular Member of Parliament.
Because they have been elected by other young people, Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) can have a big say in making change. Once they are elected, MYPs will get busy on campaigns on behalf of the young people they represent. These might be for cheaper transport for young people or better school recycling, or even lowering the voting age to 16. Changes that MYPs have already made include the establishment of a youth board to monitor the media's portrayal of young people (in partnership with Ofcom and the Press Complaints Commission), and working with the Metropolitan Police Service to alter their standard operating procedure on Stop and Search to ensure young people are treated with respect on the streets.
MYPs are able to meet all sorts of people, ranging from the Prime Minister and other important people in the Government, to celebrities who might be able to help with a campaign (such as Jamie Oliver for healthy eating).
If you have an issue in your area, consider getting in touch with your local MYP. If you talk to them, it is perhaps more likely they will understand your concern than a regular MP or councillor, and will hopefully have some good ideas on how you can take it forward.
Why should you become an MYP?
Being an MYP is a great opportunity to make real change in your local area, or even at a national level. MYPs affect all sorts of change in their areas, and it can be extremely rewarding if, for example, your council agrees to spend thousands of pounds on a town centre youth club, when you've shown to them this is what young people want.
It's also a brilliant way of developing a wide range of contacts that can help you in any future career - you will have opportunities to meet with government ministers, and have the potential to get yourself in the media.
Being an MYP can potentially be a very rewarding experience, but it can be a lot of work. You don't get paid for it, but by running successful campaigns, you can build up an impressive CV that can help you show that you have that little bit extra over a standard applicant when you come to apply for a job or a university place.
Time commitments and money
If you already have a lot on the go, it's probably worth considering if you will have enough time to give to this job. It's also important to be aware that it is a high profile position and you're likely to have to attend some meetings during school time. Always talk to your school about your commitments well ahead of the actual date so they can give you permission to take time off.
There's also a fair bit of travelling involved and you will have to travel to places like London if you are lobbying Parliament on a campaign. Most, if not all, councils will have a system where you can claim back any expenses that you will run up as an MYP, so you should never have to pay for things out of your own pocket.
Does the Youth Parliament meet like the 'real' Parliament?
Yes - once every year, all MYPs from all areas of the UK meet together to discuss the national Youth Parliament campaigns.
Running to be elected as an MYP
If you want to stand to be elected, you will need to find out when your local area holds its elections. This will usually be advertised in the local newspaper, but you can find out by ringing your local council and asking to speak to the youth participation worker, who will be able to give you more information. Alternatively, contact your UK Youth Parliament Regional Co-ordinator for your area.
Article produced by the Choose Action Alliance.
Written by Luke Springthorpe
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