The British Youth Council (BYC) and the Young Mayor Network (YMN) are delighted to announce that they are joining forces.
Both organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to valuing and supporting the right of young people to have a say in our society and will now work together to fulfil that goal by providing opportunities, skills and experience to young people at a local, regional and national level.
The 12 strong Young Mayor Network was established and hosted by the Campaign Company in 2008. BYC, which was established in 1948 as the national youth council of the UK, will take over this hosting role and link in YMN to its broader network of 620 local youth councils, and 130 member organisations.
BYC Chair, Liam Preston, aged 25, comments:
"We are delighted to be joining with YMN. It makes sense as Young Mayors are already connected to their local youth councils or cabinets that we support at a national level. We can now share resources and support to be more effective together."
Matthew Upton, Director of Youth Services at the Campaign Company says:
“We have been delighted to support the Young Mayor Network and will continue to be advocates of the role of Young Mayors across the country. We believe this will not only increase the profiles, reach and circle of influence of both organisations, but will open up new opportunities for support, skills development and access to investment in youth participation.”
Young Mayor of Lewisham, Jacab Sakil, aged 17 adds:
“This is our chance to work more closely together to have a greater say and a stronger voice. As a network we are strong and by coming together with BYC we are stronger still. I look forward to a successful future.”
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
'Red Ed'?
For those who didn’t know, Ed Miliband won the Labour leadership contest and is now Leader of the Labour Party. He delivered his first speech as the Leader of the Labour Party this afternoon and it wasn’t bad at all.
Although I thought his speech was satisfactory, it was filled with maturity, equality and fairness. He spoke about key issues that tainted Labour’s prospect of winning the chance to form the government earlier this summer. The lack of real control on globalisation and the subsequent influx of immigrants, the failure to regulate the banks when they needed to were two of a few issues looked upon as failure.
However what moved me was the fact that he spoke about the deep social inequality present in our community. He spoke about the need of Trade Unions to protect workers right which cannot be advocated for successfully on an individual basis. ‘‘Yes!’’ to the Alternative voting system which is fairer and more representative than the current one. He expressed that ‘’the gap between the rich and poor does matter’’ and it does indeed.
It was pretty clear that his foreign policies will not be subject favouritism and condemned Israel failure to recognise the ‘Palestinians’ right to statehood’. He branded the Iraq war as ‘’wrong’’ although he did comprehend the difficult dilemma Tony Blair faced.
The only question that has been left pondering in my head is; will the Labour Party be united under Ed Miliband? I simply do not know. But it will definitely be interesting to see how he deals with the Blairites, Brownites and every other ‘ites’ in between.
Now that Labour has a leader, the battle of the parties during ‘Prime Minister’s Question Time’ and other political debates will certainly be something to look forward to.
Luziane - YMN coordinator
Although I thought his speech was satisfactory, it was filled with maturity, equality and fairness. He spoke about key issues that tainted Labour’s prospect of winning the chance to form the government earlier this summer. The lack of real control on globalisation and the subsequent influx of immigrants, the failure to regulate the banks when they needed to were two of a few issues looked upon as failure.
However what moved me was the fact that he spoke about the deep social inequality present in our community. He spoke about the need of Trade Unions to protect workers right which cannot be advocated for successfully on an individual basis. ‘‘Yes!’’ to the Alternative voting system which is fairer and more representative than the current one. He expressed that ‘’the gap between the rich and poor does matter’’ and it does indeed.
It was pretty clear that his foreign policies will not be subject favouritism and condemned Israel failure to recognise the ‘Palestinians’ right to statehood’. He branded the Iraq war as ‘’wrong’’ although he did comprehend the difficult dilemma Tony Blair faced.
The only question that has been left pondering in my head is; will the Labour Party be united under Ed Miliband? I simply do not know. But it will definitely be interesting to see how he deals with the Blairites, Brownites and every other ‘ites’ in between.
Now that Labour has a leader, the battle of the parties during ‘Prime Minister’s Question Time’ and other political debates will certainly be something to look forward to.
Luziane - YMN coordinator
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Residential 2010!
The Young Mayor Network held its residential last weekend near Paddock Wood in Kent. The aim of the residential was primarily to have fun and to get boroughs to familiarise themselves with each other. It was brilliant! Every moment was memorable. We particularly enjoyed the Paintball. The mud, flooded barricades and the low trees made it seem like we were really at war. The war of attrition left a few bruises on most of us and some vowing never to paintball again!
After dinner and a warm shower, we gathered around a huge camp fire (after some trouble getting it started!) where we shared riddles, stories and poems.
What I particularly enjoyed about the weekend was the level of cooperation that was going on between the boroughs. This was only helped by the teambuilding activities as we broke the centre’s record when playing a game of stacking crates and we’ve had a quite a few pairs complete the daunting Jacob’s ladder.
All in all, although we were out of our comfort zone, we stuck together like the network that we are and we made sure that whatever nature threw at us, we were going to get through it with a laugh, which we did.
What a weekend!
Luziane Tchiegue-Nouta
After dinner and a warm shower, we gathered around a huge camp fire (after some trouble getting it started!) where we shared riddles, stories and poems.
What I particularly enjoyed about the weekend was the level of cooperation that was going on between the boroughs. This was only helped by the teambuilding activities as we broke the centre’s record when playing a game of stacking crates and we’ve had a quite a few pairs complete the daunting Jacob’s ladder.
All in all, although we were out of our comfort zone, we stuck together like the network that we are and we made sure that whatever nature threw at us, we were going to get through it with a laugh, which we did.
What a weekend!
Luziane Tchiegue-Nouta
Friday, 15 January 2010
Employment prospects for young people
Greetings all.
As you all know, Britain along with the rest of the world went through a recession. What made it so bad was the unemployment rate which stands at 72.5% (28.93 million) most of those being within the age range of 18-25.
My question to you is:
What can the government do to increase employment prospects for young people?
GET INVOLVE!
As you all know, Britain along with the rest of the world went through a recession. What made it so bad was the unemployment rate which stands at 72.5% (28.93 million) most of those being within the age range of 18-25.
My question to you is:
What can the government do to increase employment prospects for young people?
GET INVOLVE!
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Jacob Sakil is the Sixth Young Mayor for Lewisham
Sorry to everyone for the delay on this story. But for those who didn't know, Lewisham has it's Sixth Young Mayor! Check out the story below:
Lewisham, the first London borough to elect a Young Mayor chose their 6th representative on the 16th October 2009. The most competitive campaign yet saw 15 young people between the ages of 14 to 17 battling it out on the streets of Lewisham to secure the votes that could earn them the title of Young Mayor. Three weeks of campaigning were packed with feisty hustings, innovative video campaigns, conventional leafleting, groups on social networking websites, colourful propaganda, T-shirts and recognisable posters. It seemed the margin between each candidate was only going to be a few votes.
Miguel, the outgoing Young Mayor said that the election campaign, "...is a great way to get a lot of young people talking", he added that "Even though there can only be 2 top spots, every candidate has worked extremely hard to get their message across. The majority of the candidates had big campaign teams which has been great!"
The atmosphere at results night was unbelievable. Former young mayors, councillors, council officers, partner organisations and members of the public, old and young, all gathered in the Civic Suite to hear the announcement. After what seemed to be a long period of suspense, Jacob Sakil was declared as Lewisham’s Sixth Young Mayor, with Lola Mustapha as his Deputy. It was really close between the two with only 100 votes separating them. Jacob was shocked, saying, "It was exactly what I wanted but I didn’t prepare myself for it. I couldn’t back down and now I have to continue down this road and show people that their vote wasn’t in vain!". Lola described the atmosphere, saying, "It's Great! I’m happy to see so many young people supporting a good cause".
Once again Lewisham set the trend by breaking the record in London with a staggering 52% turnout. The new Young Mayor took these figures to heart adding that "It shows that young people are getting involved and they are starting to understand that they can shape their lives and the way they view the world. They can take their ideas to a whole new level."
What does the future hold for the pair? No one can be sure, but their future is certainly bright. By the end of their term, both are hoping to make real achievements on issues they feel passionate about. Lola would like to improve work experience and get involved in services that deal with young women and young parents. Jacob wants to make young people independent. "I want them to stop relying on the government and give them the tools so they can innovate and make a better Lewisham”, he said.
You can get in touch with Jacob & Lola by emailing youngcitizens@lewisham.gov.uk or contacting the Young Mayor's office on 020 8314 6354.
Lewisham, the first London borough to elect a Young Mayor chose their 6th representative on the 16th October 2009. The most competitive campaign yet saw 15 young people between the ages of 14 to 17 battling it out on the streets of Lewisham to secure the votes that could earn them the title of Young Mayor. Three weeks of campaigning were packed with feisty hustings, innovative video campaigns, conventional leafleting, groups on social networking websites, colourful propaganda, T-shirts and recognisable posters. It seemed the margin between each candidate was only going to be a few votes.
Miguel, the outgoing Young Mayor said that the election campaign, "...is a great way to get a lot of young people talking", he added that "Even though there can only be 2 top spots, every candidate has worked extremely hard to get their message across. The majority of the candidates had big campaign teams which has been great!"
The atmosphere at results night was unbelievable. Former young mayors, councillors, council officers, partner organisations and members of the public, old and young, all gathered in the Civic Suite to hear the announcement. After what seemed to be a long period of suspense, Jacob Sakil was declared as Lewisham’s Sixth Young Mayor, with Lola Mustapha as his Deputy. It was really close between the two with only 100 votes separating them. Jacob was shocked, saying, "It was exactly what I wanted but I didn’t prepare myself for it. I couldn’t back down and now I have to continue down this road and show people that their vote wasn’t in vain!". Lola described the atmosphere, saying, "It's Great! I’m happy to see so many young people supporting a good cause".
Once again Lewisham set the trend by breaking the record in London with a staggering 52% turnout. The new Young Mayor took these figures to heart adding that "It shows that young people are getting involved and they are starting to understand that they can shape their lives and the way they view the world. They can take their ideas to a whole new level."
What does the future hold for the pair? No one can be sure, but their future is certainly bright. By the end of their term, both are hoping to make real achievements on issues they feel passionate about. Lola would like to improve work experience and get involved in services that deal with young women and young parents. Jacob wants to make young people independent. "I want them to stop relying on the government and give them the tools so they can innovate and make a better Lewisham”, he said.
You can get in touch with Jacob & Lola by emailing youngcitizens@lewisham.gov.uk or contacting the Young Mayor's office on 020 8314 6354.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Is Stop and Search out of control??
Hi everyone,
It’s that time of the year when most of us will be out and about looking for ways to
celebrate the New Year in style. Due to that, some of us will be stopped and searched
quite a few times. Statistics show that you are more likely to be stopped and
searched if you are under 25, male and Asian. And it has also been reported that
White
people are detained to ‘balance racial statistics'
Have you ever been stopped and searched?
Do you know your rights around stop and search?
Do you know how to complaint once you have been stopped and searched?
GET INVOLVED!!
It’s that time of the year when most of us will be out and about looking for ways to
celebrate the New Year in style. Due to that, some of us will be stopped and searched
quite a few times. Statistics show that you are more likely to be stopped and
searched if you are under 25, male and Asian. And it has also been reported that
White
people are detained to ‘balance racial statistics'
Have you ever been stopped and searched?
Do you know your rights around stop and search?
Do you know how to complaint once you have been stopped and searched?
GET INVOLVED!!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
LGiU call for Councils to do more...
...to involve vulnerable young people in initiatives like Young Mayor elections.
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/Youth-Work/970935/Councils-involve-vulnerable-young-people-participation/
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/Youth-Work/970935/Councils-involve-vulnerable-young-people-participation/
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